Colombia’s president Petro denied being involved in narcotrafficking, during a speech in Bogotá. His reply follows a recent quote from Donald Trump, accusing him of being a ‘drug leader‘. At the same time, the US administration released sanctions against the South American leader and his family.

On X, Gustavo Petro stated he had chosen lawyer Daniel Kovalik to defend him in this new case. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control just added his family to the Clinton List. In other words, this freezes their properties and financial assets under US jurisdiction. Furthermore, it bans local citizens from conducting business with them.

Why does the war on drugs target Gustavo Petro?

According to Donald Trump, Gustavo Petro is ‘an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs‘. The White House also accuses his counterpart of doing ‘nothing to stop it‘, denied by Petro. Consequently, Trump decided to end aid to Colombia. However, it is not clear if he is the sole decision maker on the matter.

Moreover, Donald Trump has been repeatedly spotted spreading fake news. He declared having solved 8 wars, which has been largely debunked. Fact-checkers also highlighted tens of thousands of other false and misleading claims from the billionaire.

Thus, it is not clear what Trump aims for with those assumptions. Especially when the medias widely view the war on drugs as a policy failure. Instead, harm reduction and legalization have proven their efficiency in public health and market regulation.

US Navy strengthens operations in the Caribbean Sea

Vehemence against Colombia is part of a broader targeting of the entire Caribbean Sea. There, the US Armed Forces continue to strike vessels suspected of transporting narcotics. The United Nations condemns the strategy, considered as ‘extrajudicial executions‘.

Despite UN warnings, the US Navy just deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier in the area. Powered by nuclear reactors, USS Gerald R. Ford may serve as a base for future attacks against South America.

Among the risks, land strikes may hit Venezuela. The Department of State also published a 50-million-dollar warrant aiming to capture Nicolas Maduro. U.S. executives accuse him of leading the Cartel of the Suns, but its existence is widely disputed.

Together, Colombia and Peru produce more than 85% of the coca leaves, according to the UNODC. The plant is essential to produce cocaine, a highly addictive stimulant. The drug transits to the US via Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela. But the latter’s involvement is minimal compared to the other two.

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Historically, radical right-wing leaders have ruled many major cities on the French Riviera. Along with mass surveillance and tourist attractions, the inhabitants also face there a new regulation. Indeed, the local public prosecutor just confirmed that convicted drug traffickers will be barred from accessing social welfare.

At first glance, this new measure seems like an effective way to deter potential criminals. Thus, the region could offer improved security to its residents, including many elderly people who crave peaceful surroundings. However, to our knowledge, no study has proven that this kind of measure could effectively slow the illegal drug trade.

Is it a counterproductive measure?

In 2000, a study of “women with drug convictions or pending felony drug charges” even worsened the potential effects of this counter-incentive :

92% of the women reported that even if they had known of the ban, it “would not have acted as a deterrent during active addiction.”

Moreover, reintegration after prison isn’t ideal in France. Authorities often release convicted criminals without ensuring they have a source of income or legal opportunity. But if they can’t access social aid, they may turn to illegal activities to make money.

Cannes’ mayor, David Lisnard, also shared his own view on the matter. He explained that receiving “assistance or social housing is a benefit granted by society“. Therefore, it is “unthinkable to accept that someone who harms society should continue to receive assistance from it“.

More recognition for drug sales

Furthermore, revenues from illegal drug sales will now “be added to official resources when calculating social entitlements,” according to Ici. This is a new step towards broader recognition of this market, although it is still highly controversial in Western Europe and abroad.

The EUDA, the Union’s drug agency, reported around 7,000 deadly overdoses on the continent in 2022. Cannabis and cocaine were the most popular products, while opioids continue to kill dozens of thousands of Americans every year.

Widespread repression and censorship policies greatly influence this fatal rate. However, prevention has already proven its benefits to public health, as opposed to the risks of maintaining an international taboo.

Do you agree with this change implemented by the French judicial system?

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A last-minute statement shared by the Reuters news agency suggests that Iran used drug traffickers to cause trouble in the European Union. The quote came from France’s interior minister, Bruno Retailleau. He is often ranked second or third among the country’s political leaders.

It’s important to note that Retailleau is a conservative with views often considered very close to far-right ideology. The official was also caught cheating during a game aired on national television.

Iran is currently under attack from Israel and the United States. The Middle Eastern country is known for its expanding nuclear research program, which may require foreign income from illicit businesses. Meanwhile, Iran still punishes drug trafficking with the death penalty.

Relying on illegal substances, a cognitive dissonance

Iran also punishes drug abuse particularly severely. Offenders risk several years behind bars. Alcohol, one of the most dangerous substances for health and society, alongside heroin or methamphetamine, is also illegal. This allows the black market to flourish in the country.

This situation highlights Iran’s ambivalent politics. The Islamic Republic is investing heavily in nuclear research despite having signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

If further analysis confirms Iran’s indirect involvement in drug trafficking, it wouldn’t be the only country funding its nuclear ambitions through crime. North Korea is also said to follow a similar plan, relying on money laundering.

Could Iran face new sanctions from the EU ?

The French masses are not surprised by Bruno Retailleau’s new revelations. In fact, France’s top cop is well-known for his strict stance on immigration, particularly targeting people of color and Muslims. His government is pushing to create a new maximum-security prison that defies human rights in French Guiana, where a large amount of cocaine transits.

Nevertheless, if Iran is funding narcotrafficking in the EU, it may face sanctions from its member states. France isn’t the only country addressing the matter with nationalism and repression. Alongside the Hexagon, countries like Hungary, Italy, and Austria also take similar approaches.

Iran already faces U.S. sanctions alongside notorious narcotraffickers, such as members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The Trump administration is fighting illegal drug production worldwide. This production is regularly beating growth records, including in Syria.

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