Gustavo Petro: After Nicolás Maduro, could Gustavo Petro be next? Who he is and what has happened
DEA records say Petro has been involved in multiple investigations since 2022, many of which were based on interviews with confidential informants. Investigators are examining possible connections to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. Authorities are also checking claims that his “total peace” plan may have benefited smugglers supporting his presidential campaign. Another alleges that law enforcement channels may have been used to move cocaine and fentanyl through Colombian ports.
US prosecutors question smugglers
Investigators said prosecutors in Brooklyn and Manhattan were questioning the traffickers about their connections to Petro. As AP News noted, authorities are also looking into allegations that people linked to Petro sought bribes to stop human traffickers from being extradited to the United States. Part of the investigation is focusing on alleged offers at La Picota prison, where smugglers were promised protection from extradition.
A person familiar with the investigation said it was unclear whether prosecutors had linked Petro to any crime so far. This development follows comments from Donald Trump, who previously described Petro as an “illegal drug leader”, according to a Reuters report. The US Treasury has also increased pressure on the Petro by imposing sanctions in late 2025 over its alleged links to drug trafficking networks.
Petro denied all allegations
Petro denied all the allegations and said his government had been more tolerant towards small coca farmers while targeting large cartels. Separately, Petro’s family members were also subject to scrutiny, further escalating the controversy. His son, Nicolás Petro, was charged in 2023 with soliciting illegal campaign donations from a convicted dealer. His brother, Juan Fernando Petro, is said to be in talks with jailed traffickers about possible protection against extradition.
Despite the allegations, no formal charges were brought against Gustavo Petro. The investigation is still ongoing. Petro said the accusations were political and not true. He also said he had no ties to drug traffickers, according to a Newsweek report. People are watching this case closely because the United States has previously applied similar pressure to leaders like Nicolás Maduro. That’s why some think Petro might be next. The US has not charged Petro but is being investigated. The issue could affect relations between the United States and Colombia, as well as politics in the region.
FAQ
Q1. Why is Gustavo Petro under investigation?US authorities are investigating alleged links between Petro and drug traffickers, but no charges have been filed.
Q2. Why is Petro being compared to Nicolás Maduro?
Some observers say the US has put similar pressure on Maduro before, so they think Petro may face similar action.
