U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro Over Alleged Drug Trade Negligence

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, alleging his administration has permitted drug cartels to thrive and has not effectively addressed the surge in cocaine production. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity."

In response, President Petro contended that his government has significantly reduced the growth rate of coca plantations and has seized more cocaine than any previous administration. He criticized the U.S. Treasury's actions as "an arbitrariness typical of an oppressive regime."

The sanctions extend to Petro's wife, son, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, freezing any U.S. assets they may hold and generally prohibiting Americans from engaging in transactions with them.

This development follows the U.S. State Department's revocation of Petro's visa in September, after he participated in pro-Palestinian protests in New York and urged American soldiers to disobey orders. Petro accused the U.S. of violating international law, stating, "Revoking it for denouncing genocide shows the US no longer respects international law."

The U.S. has previously sanctioned leaders from countries such as Russia, Venezuela, and North Korea. The current sanctions against Petro and his associates are part of a broader effort to combat the global illicit drug trade.