2023-08-06 12:56:15
The English media The Economist exposed in an article the most recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Unodc), which shows how the global demand for cocaine “seems insatiable ”.
In the first instance, the aforementioned medium states that although the number of cocaine users in the United States has remained relatively stable over the last two decades, a different picture occurs in Australia, Europe and Asia, where the consumption of this drug has been increasing. increase.
“Last month in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, five people were shot in the space of five days, due to gang-related turf wars sparked by a booming market for the coup in that city. However, in parts of Colombia, the country that produces around 60% of the world’s cocaine supply, white bits of coca paste are accumulating and prices are plummeting.
Cultivo de coca. | Photo: (c) 2023, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
However, the landscape has changed radically. “For the past year, shops have been closed and locals have started to go hungry.”
The Economist quoted statements from a man identified as Holmer Pérez, whose family — like others in the region — made a living from growing coca: “People who sell now, sell at a loss.”
In the department of Cauca, coca leaf prices have plummeted. While previously $70,000 per kilo (regarding $17) was paid, it is currently priced at $38,000. A collapse of almost 50%.
The UN warned that cocaine use has been increasing. | Photo: Dazeley
The oversupply has led to the collapse of prices
Despite the fact that Unodc warned of an increase in the number of cocaine users in Australia, Asia and Europe, the illicit market presents a drawback marked by overproduction, which has pushed prices to plummet.
In 2021, 204,000 hectares were covered by coca crops in Colombia. | Photo: (c) 2023, dpa (www.dpa.de). Alle Rechte vorbehalten
Finally, The Economist points out that “Colombia is not the only supplier that floods world markets with coca.” In this sense, the Unodc report reports that Peru has increased its production by 62%, from 49,800 hectares in 2017 to 80,700 hectares in 2021. For its part, Bolivian production has increased by 24%, from 24,500 hectares to 30,500 hectares in the same period.
The Latin American countries that complement the increase in drug production are Venezuela, Honduras and Guatemala, where the illicit market is also growing.
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