Colombia: Gustavo Petro, New President, Calls for New Strategy to Combat Drug Trafficking; Says War on Drugs a 'Failure'

Colombia's new president, Gustavo Petro, issued calls for a new strategy when addressing the drug trafficking issue in the country, adding that the war on drugs was a failure.

Petro spoke at his inauguration and was the country's first ever left-wing leader, according to a BBC News report. The new president told the crowd of his supporters that it is time for "a new global convention that accepts the war on drugs has failed."

Petro noted that the war on drugs has left a million dead Latin Americans for 40 years. He added that it also caused 70,000 American citizens to overdose to death each year.

Criminal groups amid local militias in Colombia are heavily involved in drug production and transportation to consumers around the world, including in the U.S. and Europe.

Petro has vowed to fight inequality by providing free university, education, pension reforms, and high taxes on unproductive lands.

Drug Trafficking in Colombia

Colombia started providing as much as seven-tenth of the marijuana being imported into the United States. Drug traffickers then diversified to cocaine trafficking using the shipments from marijuana, especially drug leaders from Medellin.

Two major drug cartels evolved from the illegal trade: the Medellin Cartel led by Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel.

Britannica noted that drug dealers spent money refining cocaine as they became wealthier while also organizing groups for protection. The drug cartels also constructed buildings, both residential and commercial, which benefited more Colombians as compared to the legitimate economy.

Three presidential candidates were killed in the 1990 presidential campaign, including the poll-leading Liberal Luis Carlos Galan, due to tougher drug-trade policies.

Medellin cartels started to struggle as their violence and power grew. Pablo Escobar was eventually killed by the Colombian police.

Meanwhile, Cali Cartel members were arrested in the mid-1990s and are currently serving 10-to-15-year prison terms.

Colombia's New President Gustavo Petro

President Gustavo Petro was a former member of the M-19 guerilla group and was recently sworn in by Senate President Roy Barreras in Bogota's Bolivar Plaza, as reported by Reuters.

Petro said in his inauguration speech that he wants a "strong, just, and united Colombia."

The left-wing leader has vowed to revive the peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army rebels and apply a 2016 peace deal to ex-members of the FARC guerillas who reject it.

Petro's foreign minister noted that the government will hold dialogue with gangs and possibly give members reduced sentences in exchange for drug trafficking intel. The newly sworn-in president said that armed groups should accept the deal.

He also put a focus on climate change, calling for the matter to be addressed internationally, particularly in countries that emit the most greenhouse gases.

Petro also said that Colombia would shift to coal or oil-less economy. He also pledged pension reform and to stop new oil development, which caused investors to be concerned.

Petro will be serving his term with new Vice President Francia Marquez, who is an environmental activist and former housekeeper.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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