Federal prosecutors in New York are investigating Colombian President Gustavo Petro for alleged ties to drug traffickers. According to sources familiar with the inquiry, authorities in Brooklyn and Manhattan have been interviewing drug traffickers to uncover whether Petro's representatives solicited bribes in exchange for blocking extradition to the U.S.
The focus of these inquiries includes petitions for bribes from traffickers housed in La Picota jail, aiming to secure promises of non-extradition. However, it's still unclear whether these investigations have implicated Petro in any wrongdoing.
Petro has consistently denied any involvement in drug trade activities, even after facing accusations from former President Trump, who labeled him an illegal drug leader. The Treasury Department also sanctioned him in late 2025 without presenting evidence of these allegations. While Petro's administration claims to combat major cartels, it promotes a more compassionate approach to farmers growing coca.
Previous investigations have also scrutinized members of Petro's family for potential criminal activities. His son faced charges for soliciting illegal campaign contributions from a convicted trafficker, a claim he has pleaded not guilty to. This situation reflects the long-standing entanglement of Colombian politics with the drug trade, with high-profile figures historically implicated in similar issues.
The focus of these inquiries includes petitions for bribes from traffickers housed in La Picota jail, aiming to secure promises of non-extradition. However, it's still unclear whether these investigations have implicated Petro in any wrongdoing.
Petro has consistently denied any involvement in drug trade activities, even after facing accusations from former President Trump, who labeled him an illegal drug leader. The Treasury Department also sanctioned him in late 2025 without presenting evidence of these allegations. While Petro's administration claims to combat major cartels, it promotes a more compassionate approach to farmers growing coca.
Previous investigations have also scrutinized members of Petro's family for potential criminal activities. His son faced charges for soliciting illegal campaign contributions from a convicted trafficker, a claim he has pleaded not guilty to. This situation reflects the long-standing entanglement of Colombian politics with the drug trade, with high-profile figures historically implicated in similar issues.
