Illegal drug trade in Colombia

Illegal drug trade in Colombia refers to a period in the history of Colombia when the country became a major producer and exporter of illegal drugs, particularly cocaine. This period, which began in the late 20th century, has had significant social, political, and economic impacts on the country.

History

The illegal drug trade in Colombia began in the 1970s with the production and distribution of marijuana. However, it was the rise of the cocaine trade in the 1980s that led to Colombia becoming one of the world's leading drug producers. This was largely due to the activities of the Medellín Cartel and the Cali Cartel, two of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world at the time.

Impact

The illegal drug trade has had a profound impact on Colombia. It has fueled violence and corruption, undermined the rule of law, and contributed to social and economic instability. The profits from the drug trade have also financed armed conflict in the country, particularly the long-running conflict between the government and various guerrilla groups.

Government Response

The Colombian government, with the support of the United States, has implemented various strategies to combat the illegal drug trade. These have included military operations, extradition of drug traffickers, and crop eradication programs. However, these efforts have been met with mixed success and have often been criticized for their impact on human rights and the environment.

Current Situation

Despite these efforts, the illegal drug trade remains a significant problem in Colombia. The country is still a major producer of cocaine, and new drug trafficking organizations have emerged to replace the old cartels. However, there have also been some positive developments, such as the peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla group, which has led to a reduction in violence and the beginning of a process of drug policy reform.

See Also

• War on Drugs
• Narcoterrorism
• Pablo Escobar