The United States on Friday announced sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of failing to take action against drug trafficking networks — a move likely to deepen tensions with one of Washington’s closest allies in South America.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that President Petro had “allowed drug cartels to flourish” and “refused to confront the criminal enterprises fueling the narcotics trade.”

Bessent added that former President Donald Trump’s administration was “taking decisive steps to protect our nation and make clear that drug smuggling into the United States will not be tolerated.”

The sanctions also target First Lady Verónica del Socorro Alcocer García, the president’s son Nicolás Petro, and Interior Minister Armando Alberto Benedetti, according to the Treasury Department.