Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, has requested the UN to reconsider coca’s classification as a harmful substance, asserting that scientific research will support this claim. This change aims to foster industrial use of coca, combat cocaine production more effectively, and provide support to local farmers. Despite significant law enforcement actions, challenges persist in reducing coca cultivation.
Colombia’s Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia has formally requested that the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs revise its classification of coca, the base ingredient of cocaine, as a harmful substance. During a recent commission meeting, Sarabia expressed that scientific research will demonstrate that “the coca leaf itself is not harmful to health.” She emphasized that the current global strategy, which deems the coca plant harmful, has been unsuccessful in curbing cocaine production and trafficking.
The Minister highlighted that drug trafficking undermines national development, affects millions of farmers, finances terrorist organizations, and damages critical ecosystems such as the Amazon. She proposed that if coca’s potential for industrial applications—such as fertilizers or beverages—is realized, Colombian authorities could combat cocaine production more efficiently. This approach may also aid in the transition to substitute crops like cacao.
Sarabia stated that changing the global drug policy is not about normalizing drug trafficking but rather about providing more effective means to address it. “We cannot continue repeating the mistakes of the past. For Colombia, refocusing this policy is a matter of life and peace,” she asserted. Such reforms would enable law enforcement to concentrate on dismantling illegal cocaine production operations and disrupting illicit exports.
Since taking office in August 2022, President Gustavo Petro’s administration has reportedly confiscated 1.9 million kilos of cocaine and dismantled more than 450 clandestine cocaine laboratories. Nonetheless, progress in significantly reducing coca cultivation for cocaine production remains inadequate, with Colombia recognized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime as the largest cocaine producer globally.
Colombia’s request to the UN aims to reevaluate the classification of coca, arguing that current policies hinder effective strategies against cocaine production. Foreign Minister Sarabia advocates for utilizing coca’s potential for industrial purposes to better combat drug trafficking and support local farmers. The administration has seen substantial seizures and destruction of cocaine facilities, yet challenges remain in reducing coca cultivation. The emphasis on reform suggests a shift toward more sustainable and strategic approaches in addressing drug-related issues.
Original Source: colombiareports.com
