AGP Executive Report

Pacific Drug Crackdown: New Zealand and Australia are funding a Colombia-based strike force to hit the Pacific drug trade, with an international joint investigations team and a liaison officer in Bogotá aimed at disrupting shipments and money laundering. Public Health Supply Boost: Colombia’s University of Antioquia says it has started manufacturing nearly 1.7 million chloroquine tablets to meet malaria demand that used to rely on imports. Election Security Warning: A new report warns many Colombian polling stations could face criminal interference and coercion ahead of the 2026 presidential vote. Diplomacy Under Strain: President Gustavo Petro’s comments on Bolivia’s unrest are escalating tensions between Bogotá and La Paz. Regional Climate Pressure: The WMO flags intensifying climate extremes across Latin America and the Caribbean, even as countries improve disaster preparedness. Business & Trade: Coffee growers in multiple Colombian departments are getting guidance to export to China, with some already landing deals.

Venezuela-US Fallout: Alex Saab, a close Maduro ally, has been deported to the United States and charged in Miami over alleged money laundering tied to the CLAP food program—an outcome that’s already being framed as a new pressure point for other regional players, including Turkey, given past Venezuela-linked gold-for-food networks. International Diplomacy: A group of foreign ministers—including Colombia—condemned Israel’s repeated interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling it a violation of international law and demanding the release of detained activists. Colombia Business & Industry: Luda Technology says it has appointed authorized agents across Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Malaysia to expand its pipeline products reach. Tech & Mobility: Iteris launched VantageNode™, an AI intersection detection system aimed at bringing advanced safety tech to smaller, budget-limited intersections. Climate Watch: A new climate report says the most extreme warming scenarios are less likely, but the world still won’t meet the 1.5°C goal.

Venezuela Corruption Case Hits Miami: Alex Saab, long seen as Nicolás Maduro’s money man, appeared in federal court in Miami after being handed over by Delcy Rodríguez and was formally charged with money laundering tied to alleged bribes to win Venezuela’s CLAP food-import contracts, including fake companies and falsified shipping records. Colombia Narco-Tourism Crackdown: Colombia is considering a bill to ban and fine the sale and display of Pablo Escobar and other drug-trafficker symbols, aiming to curb narco-tourism. Consumer Pressure: Colombia’s economy story is getting louder: public spending is driving growth (63% of expansion over nine months), while shoppers face rising costs abroad and at home. Energy Transition Reality Check: A Santa Marta conference pushed momentum to phase out fossil fuels, but implementation and finance remain the hard part. Business Watch: Colombia’s SIC ordered Tesla to correct delivery-date and related sales practices after reports of thousands of late deliveries.

Pacific Drug Alarm: AFP says transnational traffickers are escalating maritime cocaine routes through the Pacific, with 17 tonnes seized since January—already far above all of 2025—using semi-submersibles and shifting routes as crackdowns squeeze North America. Colombia Asset Seizure: Colombia’s Special Assets Society has taken control of 11 luxury holdings tied to Belgian aristocrat Henri de Croÿ, including five boutique hotels in Cartagena and Barú, as part of a money-laundering forfeiture case. Health & Safety Backlash: A woman’s disappearance after illegal liposuction has reignited Colombia’s debate over clandestine cosmetic clinics, with relatives sharing videos and investigators looking at operations in Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. Energy Transition Roadblock: A Santa Marta conference pushed momentum for the energy transition, but a La Guajira visit underscored how investment rules and dispute systems can keep fossil interests entrenched. Weather Watch: Curaçao’s strong winds are linked to unusual Atlantic–Colombia pressure differences, with rough seas prompting marine warnings.

Venezuela–US Legal Clash: Venezuela deported Colombia-born businessman Alex Saab to the United States, framing it as a migration “deportation” tied to alleged U.S. crimes—an escalation that keeps pressure on the Maduro orbit and highlights how Caracas is navigating constitutional limits on extradition. Colombia–Elections Watch: Colombia is ramping up election oversight with 1,180+ auditors and observers as political trust questions swirl around voting systems and counting. Security on the Ground: In southern Colombia, fighting between dissident groups is again driving lockdowns, displacement, and threats to civilians ahead of the vote. Canal Security: Panama is set to host Panamax 2026, bringing 12 nations and 1,500+ personnel to drills focused on protecting the canal from terrorism and transnational crime. Biodiversity Spotlight: Colombia topped Global Big Day for a fifth straight year, recording 1,566 species in one day.

Venezuela–U.S. Legal Clash: Venezuela deported Colombian businessman Alex Saab to the United States for a second time, saying he’s tied to “various crimes” under U.S. investigations—an escalation that follows his earlier arrest in Cape Verde, U.S. extradition, and release in a 2023 prisoner swap. Colombia Election Watch: Colombia’s National Electoral Council says more than 1,180 national and international auditors and observers will monitor the May 31 presidential vote amid heightened debate over election transparency and alleged interference. Defense Spending Surge: SIPRI reports Brazil remains South America’s top military spender while Uruguay posted one of the steepest relative increases, as the region lifts budgets amid wider geopolitical tensions. Biodiversity Spotlight: Colombia topped Global Big Day for a fifth straight year, recording 1,566 species in one day. Markets & Rates: Emerging-market carry trades are rebounding as oil prices and “higher-for-longer” real rates boost commodity exporters like Brazil and the rand.

Venezuela-U.S. Fallout: Venezuela deported Alex Saab to the United States again, saying the Colombia-born ally of Nicolás Maduro is tied to crimes in the U.S.—a move that sidesteps Venezuela’s usual ban on extraditing its nationals by treating him as Colombian. Southern Colombia Security: A fresh clash between dissident factions in Caquetá, Putumayo and Amazonas is trapping thousands in lockdowns and displacement as election-season pressure rises. Colombia Election Watch: Colombia has already appointed 850,871 polling jurors for the May 31 vote, while President Gustavo Petro keeps questioning the process and training linked to private companies. Immigration Human Story: A Utah girl stuck in Colombia after a visa denial has returned to the U.S. after officials reversed course. Health Tech in Colombia: Hospital Universitario Nacional implanted one of the world’s smallest pacemakers, aiming to cut infection risks by eliminating leads and a chest “pocket.” World Cup Culture: Shakira launched the 2026 anthem “Dai Dai,” pledging all profits to FIFA’s education fund.

Elections Watch: With Colombia’s May 31 presidential first round just 15 days away, polls keep pointing to a tight race for second place behind Ivan Cepeda—Genesis Crea Fundation puts him at 35.1%, far from the 50%+1 needed to avoid a runoff. Security & Justice: The U.S. has extradited the first alleged Tren de Aragua leader from Colombia to face federal terrorism and drug charges in Houston, signaling Washington is escalating its crackdown on the gang’s Bogotá network. Regional Tensions: Venezuela says it’s “deeply concerned” about a reported escalation of violence in Catatumbo after Colombia’s forces killed ELN combatants, even as Petro frames operations as tied to agreements. Energy Risk: Colombia’s energy groups warn the country could import nearly half its gasoline by 2031, a major shift that would raise exposure to global shocks. Climate Pressure: El Niño odds in Colombia jumped to 82% for May–July, with models hinting at very strong conditions later in 2026.

Elections Under Fire: Colombia has already appointed 850,871 polling jurors for the May 31 presidential vote, but President Gustavo Petro is again questioning their credibility, arguing jurors are trained by private companies tied to candidates. Economy Watch: First-quarter 2026 GDP grew 2.2%, slower than 2.5% in the same period of 2025, with public administration and defense helping offset weakness elsewhere. Energy Risk: Industry groups warn Colombia could import nearly half its gasoline by 2031 as oil and gas production declines and exploration investment falls. Border Tensions: Venezuela says it’s “deeply concerned” about an escalation in Catatumbo after Colombia reported ELN combatant deaths in a bombing operation tied to “agreements.” Regional Trade & Food Security: Curaçao and Colombia approved cooperation to strengthen food security and agricultural development. Climate Alert: El Niño odds in Colombia jumped to 82% for May-June-July, with models pointing to very strong conditions later in 2026.

Deportation Fallout: A Colombian woman deported from the U.S. to Congo says she’s been held in a hotel despite a protection order, with no clear plan as her visa nears expiry—highlighting the human cost of Washington’s migrant crackdown. Drug Enforcement: The U.S. Coast Guard seized about 2.8 tonnes of cocaine off Colombia’s coast in one day, valuing the haul at roughly $45 million. Colombia-US Crime Links: In South Florida, a Colombian man was arrested over alleged laundering of drug proceeds using shell companies trading electronics between Florida and Bogotá. Local Business & Finance: Colombia’s Grupo Argos reported lower 1Q26 earnings, with weaker energy performance offset by cement results. Tech & Media: Spotify is rolling out managed accounts on its free tier in Colombia and other markets, aiming to give parents more controls for kids. Culture & Tourism: Colombia topped Global Big Day bird counts, reinforcing its biodiversity tourism pull.

Aviation Shockwave: Spirit Airlines’ abrupt collapse is leaving budget flyers scrambling for new loyalty plans, with travelers weighing whether they can replace perks like free bags and upgrades. EV Momentum: Global EV sales topped 20 million in 2025, with battery-electric cars hitting 18% of new sales—China still dominates. Colombia Tech & Safety: ERA won a contract to deliver ADS-B surveillance for Palonegro airport in Bucaramanga, adding Colombia as its 73rd country partner. Digital Finance Push: Oobit is now live in Colombia, letting users spend stablecoins via a Visa-linked network—fueling a market where the peso ranks among the top currencies for stablecoin activity. Cyber & Consumer Tech: Google rolled out new Android protections aimed at stopping bank-call scams, malicious apps, and theft. Politics Watch: A new poll points to a tight 2026 presidential runoff in Peru, while Colombia’s race remains centered on Iván Cepeda vs Paloma Valencia. Security: U.S. Border Patrol chief Mike Banks resigned amid explosive sex-tourism allegations involving trips to Colombia and Thailand.

Border Security Shake-Up: U.S. Border Patrol chief Mike Banks resigned after reports alleging sex-tourism activity dating back more than a decade, with CBP saying the claims were reviewed years ago—raising fresh questions about accountability at a trafficking-focused agency. Ecuador-Colombia Tensions: Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa met U.S. VP JD Vance in Washington as Quito and Bogotá trade tariffs over border security, illegal mining and narcotics. Colombia Violence Watch: Four Colombian soldiers were killed after stepping on guerrilla minefields in Guaviare, underscoring how peace talks with dissidents remain fragile. Public Finance: Colombia cut dollar exposure in public debt to 25%, saving about 80 bps by shifting borrowing toward pesos, euros and Swiss francs. Digital Divide: Mobile data traffic rose 11% in Q3 2025, but rural 4G/5G gaps persist. Media/Tech: Netflix expands its ad tier to 15 more countries in 2027, including Colombia.

Latin America Finance & Markets: XS.com is doubling down on the region, joining Rankia Mexico 2026 as a Diamond Sponsor and focusing its sessions on execution quality, liquidity access, and how volatility shapes trading decisions. Culture & Media: Netflix’s ad push keeps accelerating—its ad tier now reaches 250M monthly active viewers worldwide and expands to 15 more countries, including Colombia, as it adds ads to more formats beyond TV. World Cup Economy: FIFA’s ticket pricing is under fresh fire a month out, with critics saying dynamic pricing has pushed some matches to Super Bowl-level costs—while in Colombia, Royal Films will screen key games in theaters across 32+ cities. Colombia Watch: The U.S. dollar has been climbing against the peso since late April, reaching about 3,813 COP per USD by May 13, amid global dollar strength and local election uncertainty. Business & Trade: interzum Bogotá 2026 opens May 12–15, drawing nearly 200 exhibitors from 19 countries for furniture and wood industry deals.

Epstein-Maxwell in Colombia: Colombia’s immigration records are now public after a court order, confirming Jeffrey Epstein visited in 2002 (departure logged from El Dorado to Miami) and Ghislaine Maxwell entered in 2007 before leaving for Panama—while the “why” and length of stay remain unclear. Diplomacy & security: President Gustavo Petro escalated the feud with Ecuador, accusing it of becoming the world’s biggest cocaine exporter and linking the surge to corruption and drug networks. ELN pressure: Colombia authorized an airstrike on an ELN high-value camp in Catatumbo, coordinated with Venezuelan authorities, as Bogotá intensifies military action. Aviation disruption: An Avianca flight Bogotá–Madrid diverted after a reportedly intoxicated passenger was accused of harassing a woman and “masturbating,” then was removed by police at El Dorado. Business & logistics: Avianca Cargo said it moved 21,000+ tonnes of flowers for Mother’s Day, and Hellmann reported 2025 revenue of EUR 3.7bn with stable volumes. Tech & fraud: Android’s 2026 security update adds “verified financial calls” to curb spoofing, partnering with banks like Itaú and Nubank.

Ecopetrol Watch: Colombia’s state oil giant reported Q1 net profit fell 7.7% year-on-year to COP 2.89 trillion, hit by lower sales, exchange-rate effects, and higher taxes—though refining performance helped. Legal Pressure on Petro Allies: Ecopetrol says Colombia’s General Prosecutor has formally charged its president, Ricardo Roa, over alleged 2022 campaign spending-limit violations. Security & Courts: Colombia’s three top courts demanded President Gustavo Petro comply with judicial decisions, escalating a long-running executive-judicial clash. Elections Under Strain: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to safeguard Colombia’s “deteriorating” election security amid violence and intimidation concerns. Business & Trade: XTransfer launched X-Net across Latin America to help SMEs manage cross-border payments and compliance. Culture & Industry: Bogotá Fashion Week opened with a push to turn the city into a regional fashion export hub. Energy Transition: Colombia’s renewables share topped 70% of installed capacity, placing it among South America’s cleanest power systems.

Stablecoin Shift: Meta is exploring stablecoin payouts for creators, including in Colombia, quietly building a faster “digital dollars” pipeline as people move away from slow, fee-heavy transfers. Environment Watch: In Colombia’s Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta, residents say an invasive Asian plant (Hydrilla) is choking waterways, raising costs, and disrupting fishing and transport. Business Climate: Colombia ranks 6th globally and 3rd in Latin America on the Global Business Complexity Index, with investors pointing to bureaucracy, frequent rule changes, tax pressure, and political uncertainty. Labor & Health: New OECD-linked research presented in Istanbul finds longer working hours correlate with higher obesity rates, including in Colombia. Aviation: Qatar Airways plans a July Doha–Bogotá–Caracas route, adding new Gulf connectivity for Colombia. Energy & Capital: Parex says it’s positioned to become Colombia’s largest independent oil-and-gas producer after Q1 results and a Q2 dividend.