NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors in New York are investigating Colombian President Gustavo Petro for alleged ties to drug traffickers, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the inquiry, indicated that prosecutors in Brooklyn and Manhattan recently questioned drug traffickers regarding their connections to Petro, particularly allegations suggesting that representatives of the Colombian president solicited bribes to avoid their extradition to the United States.
It remains unclear whether prosecutors have implicated Petro in any criminal wrongdoing. The investigation centers on claims that his representatives solicited bribes from drug traffickers at La Picota prison, promising to block their extradition in return.
A spokesperson for the Colombian presidency has declined to comment on the ongoing investigations.
Petro has strongly denied the various allegations of drug trafficking. These claims have resurfaced following attacks from previous U.S. officials, with then-President Trump labeling him as an illegal drug leader. In December 2025, the Treasury Department sanctioned Petro for purported drug-related ties without presenting any substantive evidence. Petro contends that his administration targets major cartels while adopting a more lenient approach for peasant farmers cultivating coca leaves.
The federal inquiry has been reported earlier by The New York Times. It appears Petro came under scrutiny in light of drug trafficking investigations led by New York authorities, leading them to identify him as a subject of interest.
The inquiries into Petro are still in their infancy, and the likelihood of charges emerging from them is currently uncertain, according to the same source, which indicated that the White House has played no role in these investigations.
Petro ascended to power with a promise to lessen the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and reallocate resources to combat entrenched poverty.
His tenure has seen a person who often delivers winding, sometimes rambling speeches, frequently criticizing the stance of previous U.S. administrations regarding Israel and immigration policy. After a particularly heated speech at a pro-Palestinian demonstration, Donald Trump retaliated by revoking Petro's U.S. visa and imposing high tariffs on Colombia.
However, recent interactions post a meeting in February paint a different picture, where Trump called Petro 'terrific.'
In addition, allegations of criminal misconduct have long plagued members of Petro's family. His son, Nicolás Petro, is facing charges related to soliciting illegal campaign contributions from convicted drug traffickers to fund a lavish lifestyle. Nicolás has pleaded not guilty, with his father asserting the campaign funds were not utilized for illicit activities.
A pending investigation involving Petro’s brother suggests potential secret negotiations with imprisoned traffickers pertaining to extradition.
The political landscape in Colombia remains overwhelmingly influenced by drug trafficking, a legacy that traces back decades with various associations between political figures and drug cartels.
