Colombia seizes record 1,764 tons of cocaine” width=”640″ height=”386″ srcset=”https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Colombia-incauta-record-de-1.764-toneladas-de-cocaina-1-1024×618.jpg 1024w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Colombia-incauta-record-de-1.764-toneladas-de-cocaina-1-300×181.jpg 300w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Colombia-incauta-record-de-1.764-toneladas-de-cocaina-1-768×464.jpg 768w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Colombia-incauta-record-de-1.764-toneladas-de-cocaina-1.jpg 1391w” sizes=”(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”/>
In 2024, 794.5 tons of cocaine have been seized in operations carried out in Colombia by the Police, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Prosecutor’s Office, according to figures on drug seizures reported by the authorities.
Adding the record since August 2022, the amount reaches 1,764 tons, that is, in the last 27 months they have taken more than 56 million dollars from drug traffickers, who intended to send this narcotic to the markets of the United States and Europe. , according to data from the Ministry of Defense.
The amount of cocaine seized annually has been constantly growing during the current decade: in 2020, for example, it was 505.6 tons; in 2021, 669.3; in 2022, 659.1, and in 2023, 746.2. This increase reflects, according to authorities, a strengthening of strategies to combat drug trafficking and curb the finances of criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo. This organization has recently had laboratories destroyed in Urabá and Oriente de Antioquia.
Just a week ago, in the village of La Tebaida, in the municipality of San Luis, the National Army dismantled a laboratory that produced up to half a ton of cocaine. The authorities found 350 kilograms of cocaine at the site ready for distribution, which was valued at 1,750 million pesos, along with solid and liquid supplies essential for the production of the narcotic.
2024-11-14 00:18:00
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How can international cooperation enhance Colombia’s strategies in combating drug cartels following such large-scale seizures?
**Interview with Drug Policy Expert Dr. Lucia Gómez on Colombia’s Record Cocaine Seizure**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Gómez. Thank you for joining us today. Notably, Colombia has recently seized a record 1.764 tons of cocaine. What implications does this unprecedented seizure have for both Colombia and the global drug trade?
**Dr. Gómez:** Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. This record seizure underscores the ongoing challenges Colombia faces with drug trafficking and organized crime. It reflects not only a significant operational success for Colombian authorities but also highlights the continuous presence and resilience of drug cartels in the region.
**Editor:** How do these large-scale seizures affect local communities and economies in Colombia?
**Dr. Gómez:** While such seizures may seem like a victory, they have complex repercussions. On one hand, they can disrupt cartel operations and reduce the availability of drugs. However, they can also lead to violent retaliations from criminal organizations, impacting local communities. Economically, areas involved in coca cultivation often lack viable alternatives, which perpetuates a cycle of dependency on illegal activities.
**Editor:** What measures do you think the Colombian government should implement moving forward to address the root causes of drug trafficking?
**Dr. Gómez:** It’s crucial for the government to adopt a multifaceted approach. This includes investing in alternative development programs for farmers, strengthening community policing, and enhancing judicial systems to ensure that captured traffickers are prosecuted effectively. Additionally, international cooperation remains vital, as drug trafficking is a global issue that requires global solutions.
**Editor:** how does this seizure tie into the broader context of international drug policies?
**Dr. Gómez:** This seizure is a reminder of the complexities surrounding international drug policies, particularly the ‘war on drugs’ approach that has been prominent for decades. There’s a growing recognition that punitive measures alone are insufficient. We need to focus on harm reduction, education, and public health approaches that can lead to more sustainable solutions. Countries worldwide can learn from Colombia’s experiences, both in terms of successes and challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Gómez, for your insights on this important issue. It’s clear that while seizures like this are significant, they are just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
**Dr. Gómez:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pressing topic.