The U.S. Justice Department has opened an investigation into Colombian President Gustavo Petro, examining potential ties between the leftist leader and drug trafficking organizations, according to reports.

Petro, who took office in August 2022 as Colombia's first leftist president, previously served as mayor of Bogotá and was a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group before entering mainstream politics. During his presidential campaign, he advocated for a shift away from traditional anti-drug policies, including opposition to aerial fumigation of coca crops.

The investigation represents a significant development in U.S.-Colombia relations, given Colombia's status as a key ally in regional anti-narcotics efforts. Colombia remains the world's largest producer of cocaine, and cooperation between the two countries on drug interdiction has been a cornerstone of bilateral relations for decades.

Petro has previously been critical of U.S. foreign policy, particularly during the Trump administration, and has called for reforming Colombia's approach to the decades-long conflict with armed groups and drug cartels. His administration has pursued a "total peace" strategy aimed at negotiating with various illegal armed groups.

The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the scope or timeline of the investigation. It remains unclear what specific evidence or allegations prompted the inquiry into the Colombian president.