In the sweltering heat of the Colombian Amazon, a Black Hawk helicopter prepared for liftoff, its rotors whirring as we boarded alongside the Jungle Commandos. This police special operations unit, established in 1989 with initial training from Britain's SAS and subsequent armament from the US, was poised for action.

As the commandos geared up for their mission, the atmosphere on board was marked by a mix of focus and apprehension. With clear skies above, the team's experience and firepower were tempered by the knowledge that targeting the drug trade in Colombia often invites confrontation.

The Jungle Commandos frequently encounter opposition from various criminal groups, including former and current guerrilla fighters who have filled the power vacuum left by the cartels that dominated the scene in the 1970s and 1980s.

Our helicopter lifted off, soaring over the Putumayo district, which lies near the Ecuadorian border and is a key region in Colombia's cocaine production. The country is responsible for approximately 70% of the world's cocaine supply, making it a critical front in the war on drugs.

As we flew, two additional Black Hawk helicopters led the formation, charting a course through the skies ahead.

Aerial views reveal a sprawling landscape of dense forest punctuated by vibrant green patches, indicative of coca plant cultivation. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's 2024 report, the crop now spans an area approximately twice the size of Greater London and four times that of New York.

Tensions between US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have escalated, with Trump accusing Petro of inadequately addressing the flow of cocaine from Colombia into the US. Trump previously made a provocative comment, labeling Petro "a sick man" and hinting at potential US military intervention, although this threat appears to have subsided.

In response to criticism, President Petro highlights his administration's record-breaking drug seizures. However, data from the 2025 World Drug Report by the United Nations suggests that cocaine production has reached unprecedented levels during his tenure. Petro has disputed the UN's methodology for tracking these statistics.

The issue of combating drug production and trafficking from Colombia is expected to be a key topic of discussion when the two presidents meet at the White House on Tuesday.

After a 20-minute flight, we touch down in a jungle clearing, gaining insight into the initial stages of the global cocaine trade. Accompanied by commandos, we approach a rudimentary cocaine laboratory, partially concealed by banana trees. The makeshift facility, little more than a shack, contains essential components, including chemical drums and a stockpile of fresh coca leaves, ready for processing into a paste.

A group of individuals, likely laboratory workers, steps out of the wooded area, accompanied by commandos. The trio, consisting of two women and one man, is briefly interrogated but not detained. Colombia's approach to combating narcotics focuses on dismantling the upper echelons of the cocaine trade, rather than targeting impoverished farmers.

Shortly thereafter, the commandos expedite our departure as they prepare to incinerate the laboratory, thereby destroying the illicit crops and chemicals.

According to an unnamed officer, there are approximately 50 to 60 additional laboratories in the surrounding area, indicating a pervasive presence of such operations.

As we depart, a thick plume of black smoke ascends from the forest. The commandos share an energy drink, anticipating the possibility of repeating this operation soon. Depending on weather conditions, these raids can occur multiple times daily.

At their base, Major Cristhian Cedano Díaz takes a moment to relax with his team. With 16 years of experience in the war on drugs, he exudes a sense of seasoned professionalism, standing tall with a handgun secured in a neck holster, and approaches his work with a clear-eyed perspective.

The question of how quickly a drug lab can be reconstructed is met with a prompt response.

According to him, the process can be completed "in one day," a fact he acknowledges with a mix of frustration and resignation. This is not an uncommon occurrence, as labs have been known to reappear in nearby locations after being dismantled, with operators simply relocating a short distance away.

Despite the potential for labs to be rebuilt, he believes that dismantling them still has a significant impact.

The repeated destruction of labs, he explains, undermines the financial viability of criminal organizations, as they continually lose access to essential resources, including coca crops and chemical precursors.

The enemy he is fighting is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with Colombian drug gangs now utilizing advanced technologies such as drones and bitcoin, as well as enlisting chemists to manufacture ingredients locally. Major Cedano Díaz, 37, concedes that the conflict may persist beyond his own lifetime.

He envisions a future where his aspirations become a reality, and hopes that future generations will reflect on the sacrifices made to attain that objective, honoring the memory of those who were lost.

The Defence Minister has experienced a number of losses, including colleagues of varying ranks, stationed in different regions of the country.

He recalls the difficult task of notifying the families of the deceased, presenting them with flags and conveying the news of their passing, and takes pride in their dedication to the ongoing struggle.

Colombia's Defence Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has responded to criticism from Donald Trump regarding the country's efforts, offering a polite rebuttal.

In an interview, Minister Sanchez stated that the president's criticism is based on inaccurate information, highlighting Colombia's progress in combating cocaine production, including the destruction of cocaine factories at a rate of one every 40 minutes, and the seizure of 2,800 tonnes of cocaine over the past three and a half years, equivalent to 47 billion doses that were prevented from entering foreign markets.

The issue of cocaine demand is also highlighted as a significant concern, alongside supply. According to him, the increasing use of cocaine in Europe makes it challenging to eliminate the supply.

Data from the European Union Drugs Agency indicates that cocaine is the second most widely used illicit substance in Europe, surpassed only by cannabis. The agency notes that the drug's availability and usage continue to rise, leading to substantial societal costs.

Our investigation into the cocaine trade took us from the Amazon region to the Colombian Andes, near the border with Venezuela. This area is characterized by rugged mountain peaks and stark contrasts between natural beauty and harsh living conditions.

To navigate the mountainous terrain of Catatumbo, we switched to a vehicle provided by a local contact. This precaution was necessary, as unfamiliar visitors are not typically welcomed in this area.

The region is home to two guerrilla groups: the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). Although many Farc members demobilized following a 2016 peace agreement that ended five decades of civil conflict, some continue to operate in the area.

A local farmer, who we'll refer to as "Javier," expressed his conviction that cultivating coca is the sole means of supporting his family.

Javier showcased his recent harvest, which had grown to shoulder height in some areas. When we attempted to capture footage using a drone, he cautioned us to maintain a low altitude, citing concerns that guerrilla groups might detect the device.

Javier's residence is a simple, unfinished house with missing window glass, where the sound of children's laughter fills the air. He is the father of five daughters, describing them as the greatest gift he has received. His eldest daughter is currently enrolled in college, pursuing a career in education.

Javier's youngest daughters are often found playing with a repurposed bookcase, which serves as a makeshift dollhouse. He voiced his sorrow about being unable to purchase gifts for his daughters during Christmas and the daily struggle to provide for their basic needs.

I brought up the potential consequences of his crop, noting that it could have devastating effects on other families. I asked Javier if he ever considers this aspect when tending to his coca plants.

He acknowledges the reality of the situation, stating that such thoughts do indeed cross his mind at times.

However, he notes that survival is the priority, and with the current government in place, opportunities are scarce. As a parent, he is concerned about the potential harm to other children, and he emphasizes that the decision to engage in certain activities is driven by necessity rather than desire.

A visit to his improvised laboratory, located down a muddy path, reveals the setup where he produces cocaine paste when he has access to the required chemicals and fuels.

Currently, he claims that local guerrillas are not purchasing from him due to an ongoing turf war. During a recent trip to a nearby town to make a sale, he was robbed of his entire crop and phone.

Javier is considering returning to his previous occupation as a coal miner, driven by economic motivations. He explains that the mining industry has also been affected by government policies, citing increased insurance costs that have led to decreased wages.

To date, he has not encountered any issues with law enforcement. When asked about their awareness of the situation, he states, "I think they are aware of what is going on, but they rarely visit, possibly due to the presence of armed groups."

He issues a request to President Trump, urging him to reconsider his approach to Colombia. Rather than resorting to threats, he suggests that the president should investigate the motivations behind farmers like himself cultivating coca and provide economic assistance.

Javier, 39, and Major Cedano Díaz, 37, find themselves on opposing sides of Colombia's ongoing drug war. Despite their differences, both men share a common aspiration: that their children will one day live in a different, more peaceful Colombia.

This report was supplemented by additional contributions from Wietske Burema, Goktay Koraltan, Jhon Jairo Jácome, and Lina María Sandoval.