President of Colombia Gustavo Petro claimed yesterday that cocaine is no worse than whiskey. He added that the illegal drug trade could be easily dismantled if cocaine were legalized worldwide. The president made the controversial statements during a Council of Ministers meeting on illicit economies and anti-drug policies that was broadcast on Colombia’s national television.
Petro also argued that cocaine’s illegal status is due to its production in Latin America, rather than its health risks.
President of Colombia questions cocaine ban, comparing drug to whiskey
President Gustavo Petro’s recent remarks have ignited intense debate both within Colombia and internationally.
During a cabinet session on anti-narcotics policies and illicit economies held at the presidential palace yesterday, which was broadcast live on Colombian television, Petro made a controversial statement. He argued that cocaine is no more harmful than whiskey, asserting that the negative view of the drug is shaped more by political and economic interests than genuine health concerns.
Petro further suggested that the legalization of cocaine could dismantle the illicit drug trade. “The business could easily be dismantled if they legalize cocaine worldwide. It would be sold like wine,” he stated. He proposed that revenue from legalized sales could be redirected toward public policies aimed at reducing the consumption of more harmful substances, such as alcohol.
A new approach to the fight against cocaine in Colombia
Colombia has had a long-standing anti-drug partnership with the United States. However, anti-drug policy, specifically in relation to cocaine, was one of the few issues that pitted Petro against former United States President Joe Biden during the latter’s term in office.
The differences between the two countries on how to deal with the fight against drug trafficking became evident in recent years, particularly as Colombia put more focus on prosecuting drug mafias than punishing coca leaf producers themselves.
Colombian President Petro:
Cocaine is illegal because it is made in Latin America, not because it is worse than whiskey. pic.twitter.com/Y9RbFajghm
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 5, 2025
Petro’s stance is not entirely unfamiliar to Colombians. Among certain officials and portions of the public in Colombia, there is a belief that legalizing cocaine globally could be the most effective way to address the numerous problems it generates.
Advocates argue that such a move would undermine the violent mafias and cartels that profit from the drug trade, ultimately dismantling their operations. Proponents also contend that legalizing cocaine would eliminate the primary source of financing for many illegal armed groups operating in the country.
Cocaine legalization and prevention policies
In cabinet meeting, Petro said that if cocaine was legalised, the money currently being used to fight against drug trafficking could be used for prevention policies, especially among children and young people. “The money would be used so that children […] do not start drinking wine, alcohol or smoking,” he said.
The Colombian President also questioned the consumption of other legal substances, such as vapes, which he described as “worse than cigarettes.” He argued that although vaping is legal, it represents a significant public health problem because it is not being addressed with the same intensity as drug trafficking.
However, the most controversial part of his speech was the reference to fentanyl, a synthetic drug that causes tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S each year. Criticizing U.S. handling of the crisis, he said: “What befell the U.S., which is fentanyl, is killing them. That is not done in Colombia.”
Petro also condemned the U.S. for threatening to apply tariffs on Mexico as a protection measure against fentanyl.
“Fentanyl appeared as a pharmaceutical drug from American multinationals, who started distributing it for profit,” he said. “Now they blame the Mexicans [but] the fault lies in the business within their own borders.”
Colombia continues to be the world’s largest producer of cocaine. Since the inception of Plan Colombia in 2000, the country has received billions of dollars in aid from the U.S. to help combat drug trafficking.
Law enforcement agencies from both countries have worked together to tackle the trade, which continues to generate violence and instability in Colombia as well as threatening regional security.
However, Gustavo Petro’s recent remarks, combined with cuts to anti-drug funding that result from President Trump’s suspension of U.S. foreign assistance and USAID, this crucial partnership now seems set to change.
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