Cocaine is set to overtake oil as Colombia’s biggest export, according to a new report by Bloomberg Economics. The report estimates that cocaine exports from Colombia could reach $18.2 billion in 2022, up from $14.4 billion in 2021. This would surpass oil exports, which are currently estimated to be around $17.5 billion.
The report attributes the increase in cocaine exports to a number of factors, including:
Rising global demand: Cocaine use is on the rise in many countries, particularly in the United States and Europe.
Weaker law enforcement: The Colombian government has been cracking down on drug trafficking in recent years, but the report says that law enforcement efforts have become less effective in recent months.
More efficient production: Cocaine producers in Colombia have become more efficient in recent years, which has led to lower production costs.
The report’s findings are a disturbing development for Colombia. Cocaine production and trafficking have a devastating impact on the country, fueling violence and corruption. The report also warns that the increase in cocaine exports could lead to increased drug addiction and crime in Colombia and other countries.
The Colombian government has responded to the report by saying that it is committed to fighting drug trafficking. However, it is unclear whether the government has the resources and will to effectively address the problem.