Colombian President Gustavo Petro argues for the legalization of cocaine, comparing it to whiskey, as a strategy to dismantle the drug trafficking industry. The UN reports a steep rise in coca cultivation in Colombia, contributing to a significant increase in cocaine-related deaths. Petro contrasts cocaine’s illegality with the legal status of other substances, proposing that legalization could stabilize the drug trade and improve public health.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro posits that legalizing cocaine could help dismantle the drug trafficking industry, asserting that cocaine is “no worse than whiskey.” His argument stems from the findings of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which highlights that global cocaine production remains at unprecedented levels, predominantly sourced from South America, particularly Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru.
In a recent UN report, it was noted that Colombia’s coca cultivation surged by 43% in 2021, signifying a significant increase in cocaine manufacturing as well. The country accounts for most of the world’s coca cultivation, contributing to rising cocaine-related deaths, which totaled 27,569 in 2022 according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Petro emphasizes the notion that cocaine’s illegality stems from its Latin American origin rather than its inherent danger, referencing analyses by scientists. He contrasted cocaine with fentanyl, which is associated with numerous overdose fatalities in the U.S. Yet, Petro highlighted that fentanyl is not produced in Colombia, as it was developed by North American pharmaceutical companies.
Proposing a radical shift, Petro asserted that dismantling drug trafficking is contingent upon legalization, asserting that cocaine could be marketed similarly to wine. Despite committing to combatting drug trafficking since taking office in 2022, Colombian coca production has seen remarkable growth, with North America and Europe being the primary markets for cocaine.
Statistics indicate that cocaine cultivation doubled between 2013 and 2017, with continued increases following. The report also mentions that while cultivation rises, law enforcement is achieving higher volumes of cocaine seizures, indicating an effort to combat the drug trade.
The article discusses the context of cocaine production in Colombia, rooted in the broader drug trafficking issues affecting the region. Colombia’s continued dominance in coca cultivation contrasts sharply with international drug policy debates surrounding legalization as a potential solution. The rising drug-associated fatalities compel a reevaluation of current strategies utilized to combat narcotics in the hemisphere, illustrating the urgent need for innovative approaches toward drug regulation and harm reduction.
President Petro’s proposal to legalize cocaine as a means to dismantle the drug trade represents a significant shift in Colombia’s approach to narcotics. By drawing parallels to other legal substances, he emphasizes a need to rethink policies influencing drug trafficking. The rising statistics of coca production and drug-related deaths underscore the necessity for a solution that addresses both public health and crime related to narcotics.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
