Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump that the primary source of drug trafficking does not originate within Colombia, but extends to major international cities including Dubai, Madrid and Miami. Petro indicated that those at the top of the drug trafficking networks are what he termed “kingpins of the kingpins,” and that he had provided Trump with a list of individuals he believes lead these organizations.
The meeting between the two leaders, held on Tuesday, , was described by both as optimistic and constructive, despite past tensions. Petro noted a shared “love of freedom” as a point of connection with Trump, suggesting a potential thaw in relations. Trump himself characterized Petro as “terrific” and said they got along “very well.”
A central focus of the discussions was combating illegal drug trafficking. Petro proposed a collaborative effort between the U.S., Colombia, and Venezuela to address drug trafficking along their shared border. However, he emphasized that the major drug traffickers are not based in Colombia, but rather operate from locations in Dubai, Madrid, and Miami. He reportedly handed over a list of names to President Trump.
The meeting took place after a period of diplomatic friction between the two countries, encompassing issues ranging from deportation standoffs and visa revocations to trade tensions. Relations had been particularly strained over differing approaches to drug policy and security cooperation. Prior to recent weeks, Petro had been openly critical of U.S. Policy in Latin America, alleging it was influenced by allies of drug traffickers.
Trump acknowledged a shift in tone from Petro in recent weeks, attributing it to the aftermath of an unspecified “Venezuelan raid.” He stated that Petro’s attitude had “changed very much” following this event. Trump reiterated his concern about the volume of drugs originating from Colombia, stating, “tremendous amounts of drugs come out of his country.”
Beyond drug trafficking, the two presidents also discussed energy production, acknowledging differing perspectives on the issue. However, they reportedly agreed that sanctions were not a productive approach. The meeting lasted nearly two hours.
Petro extended an invitation to Trump to visit Cartagena, Colombia. The Colombian president also indicated that discussions included the possibility of future cooperation, though specific details were not disclosed.
The shift in tone between the two leaders is notable given previous confrontations. Petro had previously decried Trump’s anti-drug policy as a tool of power rather than a genuine effort to control cocaine. The meeting represents a potential turning point in U.S.-Colombia relations, which have been described as being “tested” in recent times.
The focus on international hubs like Dubai, Madrid, and Miami as centers for drug trafficking leadership highlights the complex, transnational nature of the problem. Petro’s assertion that the “top tier” of drug traffickers reside in these cities suggests a need for broader international cooperation to effectively disrupt these networks. The provision of a list of names to President Trump indicates a willingness to share intelligence and potentially pursue joint efforts to target these individuals.
While the details of the “Venezuelan raid” referenced by Trump remain unclear, it appears to have played a role in improving the atmosphere between the two leaders. The willingness of both presidents to engage in dialogue and seek common ground on issues like drug trafficking and energy production suggests a desire to stabilize relations despite past disagreements.
The meeting occurred against a backdrop of a global boom in cocaine production, prompting a crackdown on drug trafficking by the Trump administration. The situation underscores the challenges facing both Colombia and the United States in addressing the complex issue of drug trafficking and its associated security and economic consequences.
