The United States has officially named Colombia as a country which has 'demonstrably failed' to uphold its obligations to control drug trafficking.
Each year, the US government formally certifies several countries' cooperation with US-led counternarcotic efforts. Those found lacking risk losing US funding. On Monday, the Trump administration stated that cocaine production in Colombia has surged to all-time record highs under its left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, a claim Petro has denied.
Despite the severe classification, the US decided not to cut off aid, citing 'US national interests' for its decision.
Other countries identified by the US for failing to meet their targets include Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, and Venezuela, with Colombia being added to the list for the first time since 1997.
This decision is likely to worsen relations between Colombia's left-wing government and the Trump administration. President Petro took to social media to refute US allegations that cocaine cultivation has reached record levels during his presidency.
Coca leaves are the primary ingredient in cocaine, and Colombia remains the world's top producer of the illegal drug.
A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) survey showed a 10% increase in coca bush cultivation in 2023. Figures for 2024 are expected to be released next month.
Petro claims the increase in coca cultivation occurred during former president Iván Duque's administration (2018-2022). Colombian authorities recovered a record 1,764 tonnes of cocaine from August 2022 through November 2024, with drug seizures continuing at high levels in 2025.
The US, however, attributes the blame to Petro, stating that his peace talks with criminal groups financing their operations through drug trafficking have hindered the fight against drugs. The US presidential determination noted that 'the failure of Colombia to meet its drug control obligations over the past year rests solely with its political leadership.'
While the rhetoric from Washington has angered President Petro, his government expressed relief that the decertification did not lead to a cut in US aid. Furthermore, the document leaves open the possibility of recertification if the Colombian government undertakes 'more aggressive action to eradicate coca and reduce cocaine production and trafficking.'
President Trump has prioritized the fight against 'narco-terrorists' and recently announced the destruction of a drug vessel in international waters, alleging that evidence will be released soon.
