Colombian President Gustavo Petro exposes the rise of foreign criminal groups controlling cocaine export territories, highlighting a national sovereignty crisis and the need for international cooperation against multinational mafias.

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In a powerful speech this Thursday, President Gustavo Petro revealed the alarming presence of foreign criminal organizations operating within Colombia, controlling key territories used for cocaine export. The president framed this issue as a critical matter of national sovereignty that demands urgent attention and decisive action.

President Petro emphasized that Colombia is losing control over vast regions, not only to domestic actors but increasingly to foreign mafias. “We are losing territory in Colombia because those who control the cocaine export territories, which are home to armed youth, are foreigners,” he stated. He identified members of these criminal networks as Albanians, Italians, Mexicans, Paraguayans, and Colombians who serve their interests.

Highlighting recent law enforcement successes, Petro noted the capture of a Turkish national in Medellín and warned about the growing influence of the Albanian mafia along Colombia’s borders. This development signals a dangerous internationalization of drug trafficking operations in the country.

The president underscored that Colombia faces an attack from multinational criminal groups that launder money within its borders. He condemned the far-right forces attempting to undermine Colombia’s strategic alliances, particularly with the United States, which remain crucial in the fight against organized crime.

“The United States only attacks organizations that oppose them. Sometimes they negotiate with others. But we have built a relationship with the world’s most experienced police force in fighting mafias and seizing cocaine,” Petro explained, affirming Colombia’s commitment to international cooperation despite political tensions.

Responding to accusations from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who labeled him a “narco-terrorist,” Petro declared, “I’m not scared of a congressman calling me that.” He accused forces aligned with former President Donald Trump of seeking to fracture Latin American unity and weaken the regional front against multinational criminal organizations.

“El país está siendo agredido”, afirmó el Presidente @PetroGustavo al señalar que el verdadero enemigo de Colombia son las organizaciones del crimen transnacional que lavan dinero en el país.

“Diego Marín está libre, pero es solo uno de tantos con vínculos estrechos con el… pic.twitter.com/CPblXOsR7D

— Presidencia Colombia 🇨🇴 (@infopresidencia) July 3, 2025

The text reads: “The country is under attack,” stated President @PetroGustavo, pointing out that the true enemy of Colombia is transnational criminal organizations that launder money in the country.
“Diego Marín is free, but he is just one of many with close ties to the State. He even tried to enter the government,” warned the president.

Petro reiterated that if the United States chooses to disengage, Colombia will continue its partnerships with European allies. “We won’t be left alone. We have to know who the enemy is. The violence in Colombia is criminal, driven by political forces,” he concluded.

President Petro’s denunciation highlights the complex challenges Colombia faces as foreign mafias expand their grip on the country’s territories. His message calls for national unity, international collaboration, and unwavering resistance against political and criminal forces that threaten Colombia’s sovereignty and peace.

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