Colombia’s Foreign Minister solicits the UN to remove coca from the list of harmful substances, arguing scientific evidence shows the leaf is not harmful. The government seeks to utilize coca for industrial purposes to combat illegal cocaine trade effectively. Despite extensive cocaine seizures, coca cultivation remains a significant challenge for Colombia, the world’s leading cocaine producer.
Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, has formally requested the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs to remove coca, the base ingredient for cocaine, from its classification as a harmful substance. At a recent commission meeting, she stated that scientific research will demonstrate that “the coca leaf itself is not harmful to health.”
Minister Sarabia criticized the global strategy to combat cocaine production for its failure, highlighting how labeling the coca plant as harmful has not mitigated drug trafficking issues. She noted that this illegal trade has hindered Colombia’s development, caused harm to millions of farmers, funded terrorist organizations, and resulted in environmental damage to vital ecosystems like the Amazon.
Sarabia expressed that Colombian authorities could more effectively address cocaine production if the industrial potential of coca leaf is recognized, suggesting uses in fertilizers and beverages. The Minister advocated for legal measures to allow the promotion of substitute crops, such as cacao, or the creation of innocuous coca-based products, to better combat the cocaine trade.
She emphasized, “Reforming the global drug regime does not mean normalizing drug trafficking, but rather providing us with more effective tools to combat it.” The focus on coca legalization should therefore enhance law enforcement’s ability to tackle the illegal cocaine market.
Since President Gustavo Petro’s administration began in August 2022, Colombian authorities have confiscated 1.9 million kilos of cocaine and dismantled over 450 clandestine cocaine laboratories. Nevertheless, the government has struggled to reduce coca cultivation aimed at cocaine production. As per the United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime, Colombia remains the leading global producer of cocaine.
In conclusion, Colombia’s request to the United Nations to delist coca from harmful substances underscores the need for a re-evaluation of global drug policies. By recognizing the coca leaf’s potential benefits, the government aims to tackle cocaine production more effectively while improving the livelihoods of local farmers. This initiative could enhance Colombia’s capacity to combat drug trafficking while addressing the broader implications for peace and development in the nation.
Original Source: colombiareports.com
