Gustavo Petro argues cocaine is “no worse than whisky” and calls for legalization

Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked controversy by stating that cocaine is illegal only because it originates from Latin America, not because it is more harmful than other substances. His remarks came during a broadcast of a six-hour ministerial meeting, marking the first time such a session was publicly aired.

“Cocaine is illegal because it is made in Latin America, not because it is worse than whisky,” Petro said. “Scientists have analyzed this. Cocaine is no worse than whisky.”

Colombia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocaine, with shipments mainly destined for the United States and Europe. The country has spent decades combating drug trafficking, but Petro suggested that the entire industry could be dismantled through legalization.

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Calls for global cocaine legalization

“If you want peace, you have to dismantle the business [of drug trafficking],” Petro stated. “It could easily be dismantled if they legalize cocaine in the world. It would be sold like wine.”

The Colombian president also addressed the fentanyl crisis in the United States, noting that the powerful opioid is responsible for approximately 75,000 deaths annually, according to official data.

“Fentanyl was created as a pharmacy drug by North American multinationals,” Petro said, adding that those who consumed it “became addicted.”

Record-high cocaine production in Colombia

Since taking office in 2022, Petro has pushed for peace negotiations with armed groups that profit from drug trafficking, aiming to end six decades of violence.

Meanwhile, cocaine production in Colombia surged to record levels in 2023, increasing by 53 percent to 2,600 tons, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.