BOGOTÁ, March 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Colombia's defense minister on Sunday warned Donald Trump's administration against blacklisting his country for failing to curb drug exports, saying the decision would bring yet more cocaine to the United States.

Washington is currently weighing whether to "decertify" Colombia as a partner in the battle against drugs, a move that could restrict millions in US military aid and be a hammer blow to Colombia's reputation.

In an interview with AFP, recently appointed defense minister Pedro Sanchez said decertification would mean "we simply lose the ability to contain the threat."

"Not being able to contain it would go against the interests of the United States. Because more cocaine would arrive and the United States would not be stronger, more prosperous, or safer."

"Fracturing relations and cooperation between our states is an opportunity for drug trafficking," Sanchez insisted.

Colombia has launched a diplomatic offensive to avoid blacklisting ahead of a September US review.

But many officials are privately pessimistic that blacklisting can be avoided, putting at risk nearly half a billion dollars in annual US funding.