Global boom in cocaine trafficking defies decades of anti-drug efforts
Cocaine production and trafficking have surged to record levels, according to the latest report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The global boom in cocaine production has surpassed all previous records, with production reaching 1,383 metric tons in 2020, a 25% increase from 2018.
The report reveals that the region with the largest increase in cocaine production is South America, particularly Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, which together account for around 70% of global production. The region’s harsh climate, corruption, and lack of effective law enforcement have made it an attractive hub for drug traffickers.
The global cocaine trade is worth an estimated $75 billion annually, making it a highly lucrative business for drug cartels and organized crime groups. The funds generated are then used to fund other illegal activities, such as gun running, human trafficking, and terrorism.
Despite decades of efforts to fight the war on drugs, the problem has only worsened. Measures implemented by governments, such as crop eradication, interdiction, and law enforcement, have been largely unsuccessful. The war on drugs has also led to human rights abuses, police corruption, and a lack of trust in government institutions.
The report also reveals that drug traffickers are increasingly using new and sophisticated methods to export their products, including encryption, cryptocurrencies, and social media to avoid detection. They have also formed alliances with organized crime groups, making it harder for law enforcement to disrupt their operations.
The international community is discussing ways to address the issue, with some advocating for a shift from a punitive approach to a more public health-based approach, focusing on treatment and harm reduction programs. Others suggest increasing cooperation and intelligence sharing between countries, as well as addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality in producer countries.
The report concludes that addressing the global cocaine problem will require a multifaceted approach, involving governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. It also highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issue, beyond the simplistic narratives of drug war and prohibition.
