What to Know About Colombia’s Role in the Global Drug Trade Amid Trump’s Feud With Petro

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Genevieve GlatskyDecember 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Colombia and the United States are in a dispute over drug trafficking, sparked by U.S. actions targeting suspected smugglers in the Caribbean and Pacific. The feud escalated after President Trump called Colombian President Petro a "drug leader," a claim Petro denies. Colombia has been the world's largest cocaine producer for nearly half a century due to its geography, internal conflicts, and the presence of armed groups in remote regions. Despite decades of efforts backed by U.S. aid to combat drug production and trafficking, lasting results have been elusive. A 2016 peace deal with the FARC rebels aimed to change the dynamic, but the situation remains complex.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Venezuela 30% Tumaco 40% Colombian Navy 50% FARC 60% Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia 60% United States 70% Donald Trump ×590% Gustavo Petro ×695% Colombia ×9100%

Keywords

drug trade 100% colombia 90% gustavo petro 80% cocaine 70% trump 60% drug policy 60% united states 60% armed groups 50% peace deal 50% coca growers 40%