Allegations and surveillance
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has come under the surveillance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) amid allegations that he has links to drug trafficking networks.
US claims
According to the report, the US has accused Petro of acting in ways that benefit drug traffickers and suspects that he received bribes worth millions in return.
Listed as a major target
The DEA has reportedly placed Petro on a list of major offenders and begun monitoring him—an unusual step when it involves a sitting head of state. Similar allegations have also been raised earlier against Petro’s son and brother.
Petro’s response
Petro has categorically rejected the accusations, saying the US and his political opponents in Colombia are working together to plot against him. He said he would not be intimidated by such moves.
