Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the formation of a commission to investigate the drug trafficking allegations against the ELN rebel group. This decision came in response to a video request from the ELN leader, António Garcia, who asserted that the group is wrongly accused of involvement in the cocaine trade despite their acknowledgment of taxing the trade in areas under their control. Garcia argues that while they have a financial stake in the drug trade, the ELN does not directly participate in its production or transportation.

The ELN, designated a terrorist organization by the Colombian government, has faced longstanding accusations of collaborating with drug cartels in both the production and transportation of cocaine. President Petro, who has a history of connections with guerrilla movements, responded positively to the request for an independent investigation, signaling a possible shift in the government's approach to the guerrilla group. He also appealed for the ELN's support in transitioning coca crops to alternative farming, attempting to mitigate the drug-related issues in Colombia.

This development highlights ongoing tensions in Colombia regarding drug trafficking and the role of armed groups in the narcotics industry. The proposed investigation could potentially reshape the narrative around the ELN and its involvement, paving the way for renewed dialogues about peace and reconciliation in a country that continues to grapple with the complexities of drug-related violence and economic dependence on coca cultivation.