BOGOTA, Colombia – Cocaine production in Colombia surged 53 percent in 2023, reaching a historic peak, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said Saturday.
A UNODC report said coca leaf cultivation was 10 percent higher last year compared in 2022 while cocaine production rose 53 percent from 1,738 tonnes to 2,600.
Candice Welsch, UNODC regional director, said cocaine production is rapidly escalating, particularly in regions with high yields.
The regions with the highest coca leaf cultivation in Colombia include Cauca, Nariño, Putumayo and Norte de Santander.
She noted that one hectare of coca now produces twice as much cocaine compared to two years ago.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro acknowledged that the war on drugs has not been successful to date and announced plans to initiate government purchases of coca harvests. He emphasized the need for new strategies to achieve success. (Anadolu)
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