Colombia's Petro defends record cocaine seizures amid US pressure

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced record cocaine seizures this week, with authorities confiscating 14 tonnes in a single operation at Buenaventura, valued at $390 million. This seizure is the largest in a decade and part of Petro's intensified anti-drug campaign since taking office. Petro stated, "We can say it proudly: We are the government that has seized the most cocaine in the history of the world." Despite these claims, experts express concern that the increased seizures do not equate to success in combating drug trafficking.

Since Petro's administration began, the U.S. has criticized his efforts, with President Donald Trump accusing him of inaction. As Petro's term nears its end, he faces pressure to demonstrate effective policies. Ana Maria Rueda, a drug policy expert, noted, "I think Petro’s reasoning was: ‘I’ll seize large quantities so the United States won’t pressure me over not eradicating crops.’ But it didn’t work out for him."

While Colombia seized 985 tonnes of cocaine in 2025, experts argue that this reflects a surge in coca cultivation, which reached a record 253,000 hectares in 2023. Michael Weintraub, director of the Center for Drug and Safety Studies, emphasized that the increase in seizures is misleading, stating, "It is a very convenient talking point."

Petro's strategy includes negotiating with drug-trafficking groups and seeking to decriminalize coca for traditional uses, yet he maintains interdiction as a key tactic. However, Adam Isacson from the Washington Office on Latin America pointed out that interdiction has historically failed to significantly disrupt drug trafficking, as criminal organizations account for losses. Despite Petro's efforts to bolster interdiction capabilities, U.S. pressure remains, with reports of federal investigations into his administration's actions regarding narcotics trafficking. Trump warned, "He [Petro] better wise up, or he’ll be next."

What to watch: The upcoming May 31 presidential election will be crucial for Petro's legacy and the future of Colombia's drug policy.