Narcotrafficking
Petro-Trump meeting looks positive in Washington
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Washington on February 2 for a meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump, scheduled for February 3 at the White House. The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral relations and advance efforts against narcotrafficking, amid an optimistic atmosphere voiced by Colombian officials. Trump has indicated the encounter will be positive and that Petro has shifted his attitude following Nicolás Maduro's arrest in Venezuela.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% security tariff on imports from Colombia, effective February 1, 2026, citing a lack of cooperation in border control against narcotrafficking and illegal mining. The measure has drawn immediate backlash from Colombian business groups and the government, who view it as a breach of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) agreements. It is expected to significantly impact bilateral trade, worth billions of dollars annually.
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Troops from the 27th Brigade of the National Army destroyed 24 laboratories for processing coca base paste in Putumayo department during 2026. Operations seized materials and captured three individuals, impacting the narcotrafficking economy by 2,300 million pesos.
Ouaihid Ben Faïza, a narcotrafficker sentenced until 2029, returned to Vendin-le-Vieil prison on November 24, 2025, after a controversial leave granted for a job interview. The judicial decision, despite an unfavorable opinion from the prosecutor's office, has sparked outrage among prison unions. The Ministry of Justice confirms he respected the schedule without incident.
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Nearly 6,200 people gathered in Marseille on Saturday to pay homage to Mehdi Kessaci, killed on November 13 by two motorbike assassins. The event, organized by the Conscience association founded by his brother Amine, was marked by emotion and calls for justice against narcotrafficking. Politicians from all sides joined the silent white march.