Colombian President Petro to Share Drug Trafficking Intelligence Directly with U.S. Vice President Vance
BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA – Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced November 4, 2025, that he will directly provide Vice president J.D.Vance’s office with information regarding alleged shortcomings in U.S. assistance to Colombia‘s fight against drug trafficking. petro claims that while the U.S. Drug Enforcement Governance (DEA) aided in the arrest of Salvador Marset, identified as the intellectual author of the murder of Paraguayan prosecutor Marcelo Pecci, other individuals released from U.S. prisons continue to be active members of current drug trafficking organizations.
Petro’s move signals escalating tensions over the effectiveness of anti-narcotics cooperation between the two countries and comes amid ongoing Colombian efforts to disrupt drug cartels. The President stated, “From the DEA we have only received as help in the persecution of this mafia, the arrest of Salvador Marset…but several others who came out of those same prisons are active members of the current Drug trafficking board. I will send all our available information to Vice President Vance’s office.” This direct appeal to Vance bypasses traditional channels and underscores petro’s frustration with what he perceives as limited U.S. support.
Beyond the U.S., Petro highlighted successes in collaborating with European and Arab law enforcement, announcing preparations for an extradition treaty with the united Arab Emirates. He reported seizing “hundreds of tons” of drugs destined for Europe through joint operations involving large containers and ships.
petro has previously voiced criticism regarding U.S.actions in the caribbean Sea targeting drug trafficking networks, adding another layer of complexity to the bilateral relationship on this critical issue. The move to share intelligence directly with Vance suggests a willingness to escalate the dialog and seek more robust cooperation in combating transnational crime.
