This Friday (24), the United States announced sanctions imposed on the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro. The measure was announced by the US Treasury Department, which accuses the Colombian leader of maintaining links with international drug trafficking.
According to the statement, the sanctions also affect Petro’s son, Nicolás Petro Burgos, first lady Verónica García and Armando Villaneda. Everyone had their goods and assets frozen in North American territory. Furthermore, United States citizens and companies are prohibited from carrying out any type of financial or commercial transaction with them.
“The Treasury is sanctioning Colombian President Gustavo Petro for his role in global illicit drug trafficking. Under President Petro, cocaine production in Colombia has reached record levels. Petro has provided benefits to narco-terrorist organizations. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will not tolerate Colombia trafficking drugs into our country and poisoning Americans.” said the Treasury Department
Tensions between Washington and Bogotá have intensified in recent days. Over the weekend, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on Colombian products. On Wednesday (23), he stated that all funding destined for Colombia was suspended.
In response, Gustavo Petro denied the accusations and said that he has been fighting drug trafficking for decades. He also stressed that he will not bend to the decisions of the United States.
