Colombia Advocates for Coca’s Declassification as a Harmful Substance

Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia has formally requested the UN to remove coca from the harmful substances list, arguing that scientific evidence supports the coca leaf’s safety. She asserts that this change would enable authorities to combat cocaine production more effectively and consider the industrial potential of coca. Currently, Colombia remains the largest cocaine producer globally, despite efforts to curtail its cultivation.

Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, has requested the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs to remove coca, the primary ingredient of cocaine, from its list of harmful substances. During a commission meeting, she emphasized that scientific research will establish that “the coca leaf itself is not harmful to health.” Sarabia articulated that the strategy to combat illicit cocaine production has proven ineffective, contributing to numerous social and environmental issues in the country.

Sarabia indicated that recognizing the coca plant’s potential could enable Colombian authorities to better tackle cocaine production, suggesting uses such as fertilizers and beverages. The legalization of coca could enhance the government’s ability to replace coca crops with alternatives like cacao or to promote harmless coca products. This reformation, according to Sarabia, is pivotal to developing effective strategies against drug trafficking without normalizing it.

She stressed that this change aims to provide enhanced tools for law enforcement to address the illegal cocaine trade. Furthermore, under President Gustavo Petro’s administration, Colombia has confiscated 1.9 million kilos of cocaine and dismantled over 450 clandestine cocaine factories since August 2022. Nevertheless, the government has encountered challenges in significantly reducing coca cultivation intended for cocaine production, with Colombia being the largest cocaine producer globally, as reported by the United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime.

In conclusion, Colombia’s request to the United Nations regarding the classification of coca reflects a significant shift in strategy. By shifting the perception of coca from a harmful substance to one with potential industrial value, Colombian officials aim to devise more effective means of combating the cocaine trade. This move is not merely about drug normalization but a comprehensive effort to foster development and restore peace within the country.

Original Source: colombiareports.com