The United States has officially named Colombia as a country which has 'demonstrably failed' to uphold its obligations to control drug trafficking. Each year, the US government formally certifies whether several countries are fully co-operating with US-led counternarcotic efforts, and those which are found to be wanting risk having their US funding cut.
On Monday, the Trump administration said that cocaine production in Colombia had surged to all-time high records under its left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, which the Colombian leader denied. However, the US said it would not cut off the flow of aid to the country, citing 'US national interests'.
Colombia was added to the list for the first time since 1997, raising concerns about deteriorating relations with the left-wing government. President Petro responded to US allegations about record coca cultivation, arguing that such increases occurred during the previous administration.
Despite this, the US maintains that Colombia's leadership bears responsibility for the current drug control failures, emphasizing that aggressive measures are needed to address the cocaine epidemic fueled by international demand.
On Monday, the Trump administration said that cocaine production in Colombia had surged to all-time high records under its left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, which the Colombian leader denied. However, the US said it would not cut off the flow of aid to the country, citing 'US national interests'.
Colombia was added to the list for the first time since 1997, raising concerns about deteriorating relations with the left-wing government. President Petro responded to US allegations about record coca cultivation, arguing that such increases occurred during the previous administration.
Despite this, the US maintains that Colombia's leadership bears responsibility for the current drug control failures, emphasizing that aggressive measures are needed to address the cocaine epidemic fueled by international demand.
