Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia has requested the UN to remove coca from its list of harmful substances, asserting that the coca leaf is not harmful to health. She argues that this reclassification would provide Colombian authorities with better tools to combat cocaine production and promote alternative crops. Despite efforts to reduce coca cultivation, Colombia continues to be the world’s largest cocaine producer.
Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, has formally requested the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs to remove coca, which is the primary ingredient in cocaine, from its list of harmful substances. At a recent commission meeting, Sarabia emphasized that scientific research would demonstrate that “the coca leaf itself is not harmful to health.”
Sarabia asserted that the current global strategy to combat illegal cocaine production has been ineffective, as categorizing coca as harmful has hindered progress. She stated that drug trafficking has significantly stunted Colombia’s development, harmed millions of farmers, supported terrorism, and devastated ecosystems, particularly in the Amazon.
The Foreign Minister suggested that legalizing coca would enable Colombian authorities to utilize its potential for non-drug purposes, such as in fertilizers and beverages. This approach is envisioned as a means to enable the government to better promote alternative crops and reduce coca cultivation while combating cocaine production.
Sarabia emphasized that reforming the global drug policy does not equate to legitimizing drug trafficking but rather aims to equip Colombia with more effective tools to tackle the issue. She conveyed the urgency of the situation, stating, “For Colombia, refocusing this policy is a matter of life and peace.” Hence, a renewed focus would allow police forces to devote resources to substantial illicit cocaine production and trafficking.
Since the administration of President Gustavo Petro took office in August 2022, authorities have seized 1.9 million kilograms of cocaine and dismantled over 450 clandestine cocaine factories. However, government efforts to diminish coca cultivation for cocaine production have yet to yield success, as Colombia remains the largest producer of cocaine globally, according to the United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime.
In summary, Colombia’s request to the UN to reconsider the classification of coca seeks to provide the country with more effective means for managing coca cultivation and combating cocaine production. The move reflects a growing recognition of the negative impacts of the current drug policy, with aspirations to harness coca’s potential for non-harmful uses as a strategy for social and economic development. The government maintains that such reforms are essential for achieving peace and stability.
Original Source: colombiareports.com
