The United States Treasury Department announced on Tuesday that it has sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of involvement in the global illicit drug trade.
The sanctions also extend to his wife, son, and Colombia’s interior minister. According to the Treasury’s statement, the move follows “credible evidence” linking Petro to protection and facilitation of international narcotics operations.
The sanctions freeze all US-based assets belonging to Petro and prohibit American individuals or companies from conducting any business with him or his close circle.
President Petro swiftly reacted on X (formerly Twitter), rejecting the accusations as “politically motivated.”
“I will defend the sovereignty of Colombia and my integrity before any international authority,” Petro wrote, confirming he has hired an American lawyer to contest the decision.
Petro’s presidency has been marked by frequent clashes with Washington over drug policy, as he has advocated for alternatives to the US-backed “war on drugs.”
Experts warn that this move could further strain US-Colombia relations, traditionally seen as one of the strongest alliances in Latin America.
The Colombian government has yet to release an official statement, but internal sources say high-level meetings are underway to discuss a potential response.