Colombian Coca Farmers Struggle as Cocaine Prices Plunge: Amnesty Proposed for Drug Traffickers
The article reports that a sudden drop in the price of cocaine has had a major impact on the livelihoods of coca farmers in Colombia.
According to official figures, about 1.5% of the population, or 250,000 families, depend on coca cultivation for their livelihood.
The drop in demand and prices has left many farmers struggling to make ends meet, with some even fearing for the future of their children.
The article notes that the rise of synthetic opioids, an "overproduction" of coca, changing consumer habits, and recent blows to Colombia's drug cartels could all be contributing to the price drop.
Despite coca cultivation being illegal, it remains a mainstay for many in the South American country.
Coca production in Colombia is declining due to factors such as increased alkalinity and yield, leading to a decrease in demand for cocaine.
This is also likely due to the rise of synthetic drugs in the US and changing consumption habits among Americans.
The new leftist President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, has proposed an amnesty for drug traffickers and buying arable land from gangs to redistribute to small farmers.
Some farmers are turning to illegal logging as a last resort due to the decline in coca production.
The drop in demand and prices has left many farmers struggling to make ends meet, with some even fearing for the future of their children.
The article notes that the rise of synthetic opioids, an "overproduction" of coca, changing consumer habits, and recent blows to Colombia's drug cartels could all be contributing to the price drop.
Despite coca cultivation being illegal, it remains a mainstay for many in the South American country.
Coca production in Colombia is declining due to factors such as increased alkalinity and yield, leading to a decrease in demand for cocaine.
This is also likely due to the rise of synthetic drugs in the US and changing consumption habits among Americans.
The new leftist President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, has proposed an amnesty for drug traffickers and buying arable land from gangs to redistribute to small farmers.
Some farmers are turning to illegal logging as a last resort due to the decline in coca production.