Trending Now - US Investigates Colombia's President Petro for Drug Links
WHO:
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
U.S. federal prosecutors in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Trump, President of the United States
Ecopetrol President Ricardo Roa
Nicolás Petro, son of Gustavo Petro
Juan Fernando Petro, brother of Gustavo Petro
Ivan Cepeda, candidate from Petro’s Historic Pact coalition
Bernie Moreno, Republican Senator
WHAT:
The DEA has designated Gustavo Petro as a “priority target” in investigations related to drug trafficking.
The investigations focus on allegations of Petro's ties to drug traffickers and soliciting donations for his 2022 presidential campaign.
Nicolás Petro was charged in 2023 with soliciting illegal campaign contributions from a convicted drug trafficker.
A GAD3 poll indicated Ivan Cepeda leads the presidential race with 35% voter approval, while Abelardo de la Espriella has 21%.
WHERE:
Colombia
New York, United States
La Picota prison, Colombia
White House, Washington, D.C.
WHEN:
Investigations into Petro began in 2022.
Nicolás Petro was charged in 2023.
The presidential election in Colombia is scheduled for May 31st, 2026.
Trump returned to office in January 2025.
Trump sanctioned Petro in late 2025.
WHY:
The investigations are reportedly linked to allegations of soliciting bribes from drug traffickers to avoid extradition to the U.S.
Petro claims the U.S. legal proceedings will dismantle accusations from the Colombian far right.
HOW:
The DEA's investigations are based on interviews with confidential informants and tips regarding Petro's possible involvement with drug trafficking organizations.
Prosecutors are questioning drug traffickers about their ties to Petro and alleged solicitation of bribes.
(UPDATED March 21, 2026 07:13 UTC)
In a significant development, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has designated Colombian President Gustavo Petro as a "priority target" in ongoing drug trafficking investigations, focusing on allegations of his ties to drug traffickers and soliciting donations for his 2022 presidential campaign. These investigations, which began in 2022, have already led to charges against Nicolás Petro, Gustavo's son, for soliciting illegal campaign contributions from a convicted drug trafficker. As the presidential election in Colombia approaches on May 31, 2026, Ivan Cepeda currently leads the race with 35% voter approval, while the legal proceedings against Petro are seen by him as an attempt by the Colombian far right to undermine his presidency.