Colombian President Proposes Global Cocaine Legalization Amid Escalating Crisis

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has sparked controversy by claiming that cocaine is 'no worse than whiskey' and that its illegality stems from its Latin American origins. During a live government meeting, he argued that the global cocaine industry could be 'easily dismantled' if the drug were legalized worldwide, suggesting that such a move would diminish the power of drug cartels. Petro criticized U.S. politicians for scapegoating cocaine while ignoring the more pressing issue of fentanyl, which is responsible for a significant number of deaths in the U.S. and is not produced in Colombia. He asserted that fentanyl was created by North American pharmaceutical companies, contributing to addiction issues. His comments come at a time when cocaine production in Colombia has reached a record high, increasing by 53% in 2023. The remarks have received mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing debate over drug legalization and its implications.