Viral Claims of ‘Fish Powder’ Boats Linked to Petro Administration Debunked as Misinformation
Bogotá, Colombia – December 30, 2025 – A wave of misinformation is sweeping across social media platforms, falsely alleging that fishing boats dispatched by Colombian President Gustavo Petro are being used to transport drugs to the United States. The claims, amplified on Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), have even drawn in the name of political candidate Ivan Cepeda. However, a swift investigation by AFP Fact Check reveals the videos circulating online are actually footage of a routine maritime freight transfer service operating between China and Vietnam – a far cry from the narrative being pushed.
The Origin of the False Narrative & US Military Involvement
The surge in these accusations coincides with increased US military activity in the Caribbean and Pacific, launched in September as part of a campaign targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The US military has conducted bombings, resulting in at least 100 reported deaths. President Petro has publicly criticized these operations, stating that a boat bombed on September 16th was operating within Colombian waters and crewed by Colombian fishermen. This has led to tensions, with former US President Donald Trump suggesting the possibility of extending operations onto Colombian soil. It’s within this fraught political climate that the disinformation campaign took root.
Debunking the Viral Videos: A Journey from Vietnam to False Accusations
The videos, initially appearing to depict suspicious activity in the Caribbean, were quickly scrutinized. A reverse image search on Google led investigators to the original source: TikTok posts shared as early as November 12, 2025, in Chinese and Vietnamese. These posts clearly identify the footage as documenting a standard freight transfer between the Chinese cities of Nanning, Fangchenggang, and Dongxing, all located in the Guangxi region bordering Vietnam. Further investigation revealed multiple similar videos showcasing boats carrying various packages, all originating from the same region. A Facebook post from November 20th explicitly places the recording in the port city of Fangchenggang.
This isn’t just a case of a single misleading video. The coordinated sharing of this footage, coupled with the deliberate framing of the narrative to implicate President Petro and candidate Cepeda, points to a calculated effort to spread disinformation. The use of the phrase “fish powder” is a particularly cynical attempt to exploit existing anxieties about drug trafficking and connect it to the Colombian administration.
Why This Matters: The Growing Threat of Digital Disinformation
This incident underscores the escalating threat of digital disinformation, particularly in politically sensitive contexts. The speed at which false narratives can spread on social media, combined with the potential for manipulation, poses a significant challenge to informed public discourse. It’s a stark reminder that verifying information before sharing it is more crucial than ever. The ability to quickly and accurately debunk these claims – thanks to tools like reverse image search and the dedication of fact-checking organizations like AFP – is vital in combating the spread of false information.
Understanding the techniques used to create and disseminate disinformation is also key. Often, these campaigns leverage existing tensions and anxieties, exploiting pre-existing biases to amplify their reach. In this case, the ongoing debate surrounding US anti-drug operations and Colombian sovereignty provided fertile ground for the false narrative to flourish.
The situation also highlights the importance of media literacy. Being able to critically evaluate sources, identify potential biases, and recognize common disinformation tactics are essential skills in today’s digital landscape. Resources like the International Fact-Checking Network offer valuable tools and guidance for navigating the complex world of online information.
As the 2026 Colombian elections approach, vigilance against such tactics will be paramount. The spread of misinformation can have a profound impact on democratic processes, and it’s crucial that voters have access to accurate and reliable information. Stay informed, stay critical, and rely on trusted sources like archyde.com for breaking news and in-depth analysis.
Image: Placeholder – A cargo ship in a port.
Image: Placeholder – Map of Guangxi region in China and Vietnam.
