Watch: BBC joins Colombian commandos fighting 'never-ending battle' against drug gangs

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 7 min read 100% complete February 3, 2026 at 06:12 PM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

A BBC correspondent joined Colombian Jungle Commandos, a U.S.-armed and formerly British-trained police unit, on a mission to locate cocaine labs in the Putumayo district, part of Colombia's cocaine heartland. The commandos frequently encounter resistance from criminal groups and former guerrillas involved in the drug trade. Colombia produces approximately 70% of the world's cocaine, with coca cultivation areas expanding significantly. Despite President Petro's claim of record drug seizures, UN data indicates cocaine production has reached record highs under his administration, a point he disputes. The ongoing struggle against Colombian drug production and trafficking is expected to be a key topic during the upcoming meeting between the Colombian and U.S. presidents.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ecuador 30% Putumayo 40% Britain's SAS 50% Black Hawk ×250% Orla Guerin ×260% Donald Trump 60% Gustavo Petro ×470% United States ×270% Jungle Commandos 70% BBC ×370% Colombian commandos ×380% Colombia ×690%

Keywords

drug gangs 90% cocaine production 80% drug trafficking 70% colombian commandos 70% colombia 70% gustavo petro 60% united nations 60% coca plant cultivation 50% us military intervention 40%