Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been designated a “priority target” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as federal prosecutors in New York investigate his alleged ties to drug traffickers. The investigation, dating back to 2022, is examining possible dealings with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and a scheme to leverage his “total peace” plan for the benefit of prominent traffickers.
Investigation Details
Prosecutors in Brooklyn and Manhattan are questioning drug traffickers regarding their connections to Petro and allegations that his representatives solicited bribes to prevent extraditions to the United States. It is currently unclear whether prosecutors have implicated Petro in any crime.
The investigation also focuses on allegations that representatives of Petro solicited bribes at La Picota jail in Colombia in exchange for promises to halt extradition requests. Petro has consistently denied any involvement with drug trafficking, stating he has never spoken with a drug trafficker and spent a decade exposing links between traffickers and politicians.
Petro has asserted that investigations into his campaign finances will not reveal “even a single peso” linked to drug trafficking and characterized the allegations as a political attack originating from Colombia’s far right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gustavo Petro being investigated for?
Gustavo Petro is being investigated for alleged ties to drug traffickers, including possible dealings with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and a scheme related to his “total peace” plan.
Who is investigating Petro?
Federal prosecutors in New York, along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are conducting the investigation.
What is Petro’s response to the allegations?
Petro denies any involvement with drug traffickers and claims the allegations are a politically motivated attack from Colombia’s far right.
What impact this investigation will have on Colombian-U.S. Relations, or on Petro’s presidency, remains to be seen.
