Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro under investigation in US for drug ties

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NEW YORK: Federal prosecutors in New York are conducting an investigation into Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding allegations of involvement with drug traffickers.

The probe, overseen by the U.S. attorney’s offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn, is seeking to determine whether Petro met with traffickers or accepted illicit campaign donations during his 2022 bid for office. As part of the inquiry, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has designated the president a ‘priority target’.

"Never in my life have I spoken with a drug trafficker," Mr. Petro stated in a post on X. He maintained that he instructed his campaign staff to refuse illegal funds and said the U.S. proceedings would eventually "dismantle the accusations" made by his political opponents.

The ‘priority target’ designation is used for individuals suspected of having a significant impact on the international drug trade. While the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Mr. Petro and several family members last year, the White House stated it was not involved in initiating the current federal investigations.

Photo Credits: AFP