Archive · 19 Sep 2025
US and Colombia Clash Over Drug Control Efforts
The US and Colombia are fighting over drug control.
The US is angry because it thinks Colombia isn't stopping the flow of cocaine.
The US has stopped calling Colombia a partner in the fight against drugs for the first time in decades.
Colombia's president says the US is wrong, and the US just wants to control Colombia.
The US is worried about all the cocaine coming from Colombia, but Colombia says it is doing a good job, even though cocaine production is at an all-time high.
The US decision could also hurt Colombia's tourism and economy.
The US has decertified Colombia as a drug control partner.
Cocaine production in Colombia has reached record levels.
The US says Colombia hasn't met its drug control obligations.
Colombia's president criticized the US decision and its motives.
Relations between the two countries have become strained.
- Who
- US and Colombian governments
- What
- Disagreement over Colombia's anti-drug efforts
- When
- Recent years, particularly since 2022
- Where
- Colombia and the United States
- Why
- US claims Colombia hasn't done enough to stop drug flow.
Colombian Government
US Government
Drug Control Efforts
Colombian Government
Colombia says it has been working to slow drug production.
US Government
The US believes Colombia's efforts are insufficient.
Motives
Colombian Government
Colombia believes the US seeks to influence Colombian politics.
US Government
The US says it is concerned about high drug production levels.
- Decertification
- US decertified Colombia as a drug control partner.
- Cocaine Production
- Colombia's cocaine production has surged to record highs.
- Global Cocaine Increase
- Global cocaine production rose 34% from 2022 to 2023.
- Colombia's Response
- Colombia suspended arms purchases from the US.
- Petro's Stance
- Petro said the US wants a 'puppet president'.