Even a pardon won't allow you to cross anymore.

The article states he was "charged" with drug trafficking. It appears he was charged and convicted. He made a mistake and paid for it, just don't expect to enter the U S. I see no problem with the policy. If it is reasonable for one country to deny entry for a DWI conviction then to deny entry for drug trafficking is also reasonable. I do not agree with that waiver policy. Paying for a waiver doesn't make him less of a threat. It may cover costs of paperwork.