Coca's comeback forces Colombia to rethink drug war

[webfact]

Coca's comeback forces Colombia to rethink drug war
By JOSHUA GOODMAN

ESPINAL, Colombia (AP) — Explosives experts wearing heavy body armor light a fuse and take cover behind a concrete-reinforced trench. "Fire in the area!" a commando shouts before a deafening blast ricochets across the Andean foothills and sends a plume of brown smoke 30 meters (100 feet) high.

Such drills have intensified for Colombia's military, one of the most battle-tested in the world, as it tries to control skyrocketing cocaine production that has fueled a half-century of war with leftist guerrillas.

After six straight years of declining or steady production, the amount of land under coca cultivation in Colombia began rising in 2014 and jumped 42 percent last year to 159,000 hectares (393,000 acres), according to the U.S. government. That's an area twice the size of New York City, and after much production shifted to Peru over the past decade, the United Nations said recently that Colombia is once again the world's largest supplier of the drug.

The military training exercises simulate the charges that troops typically use to blow up land mines protecting coca crops in areas dominated by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the rebel group known as the FARC. Once the mines are destroyed, civilians move in to dig up the plants.

Troops have had to wipe out coca plants manually since last year when President Juan Manuel Santos ended a two-decade-old aerial eradication program over health concerns signaled in a World Health Organization-sponsored report reclassifying the chemical herbicide glyphosate as a carcinogen.

But amid rising cocaine production, Colombia is being forced to rethink its anti-drug strategy again, taking into account the possibility of a more stable future now that the government has reached a cease-fire deal with rebels that will take effect once a final accord is signed, probably in the coming weeks.

If and when that happens, the military is hopeful it will be able to shift its energy and resources from fighting rebels to pursuing top drug traffickers.

In the meantime, Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas insists that Colombia's military is not easing up on eradication, as was suggested in June in Senate testimony by the State Department's top anti-narcotics official.

"We haven't renounced the war on drugs," Villegas said in an interview. "Nobody in the world has produced more dead, more blood, or more resources than Colombia."

As proof, he points out the government's scaling up of manual eradication to replace the now-grounded crop duster plans that were piloted by Americans. In the coming months, Colombia will quadruple to around 200 the number of eradication crews, each comprised of about two dozen civilians escorted by a much-larger security detail of sharpshooters, paramedics and land mine removal teams.

It's dangerous work. In the last 15 years, 153 people on manual eradication teams have been killed, the majority from exploding land mines or booby traps, according to the anti-narcotics police. More than 500 have lost limbs or suffered serious injuries.

It's also costly and slow-going: On an average day, each crew can only clear about a hectare (about 2½ acres). That's why the government has managed to eradicate only about 9,000 hectares (22,000 acres) of coca fields this year compared to the 172,000 hectares (425,000 acres annually at the height of the fumigation program a decade ago.

With some people warning that Colombia will soon be awash in coca because the manual eradication process moves so slowly, Santos earlier this year decided to bring back pesticides on a more limited — and what he says is safer — basis.

Starting later this year, crews will be equipped with hazardous materials suits and motor-powered sprayers worn on their backs, allowing them to spread a glyphosate substitute over longer distances.

But even those committed to the program's success recognize its limitations and yearn for a return to the days of fumigation.

"Without a doubt the results aren't going to be sufficient," Capt. Manuel Perez, a police special forces instructor, said between loud blasts at Los Pijaos training base, a drive of a few hours south of Bogota.

Elsewhere on the sprawling base, in an experimental field growing 23 varieties of coca, procedures and equipment are being tested against growers' ever-changing techniques. The biggest concern lately is a strain called "Boliviana negra" — Black Bolivian, also known as "Supercoca," which is found in the southern jungles and being studied for its resistance to the herbicide.

However strong the government's eradication effort, the new strategy's linchpin is the FARC. The group has long funded its insurgency by levying a "war tax" on cocaine shipments moving through areas it controls. But as part of peace talks, it has already agreed to abandon the business and join the government in an alternative development program to wean an estimated 64,000 mostly-peasant families off the drug trade. Although details are scarce, the two sides in July made public a pilot project in western Antioquia state near where they're already removing land mines together.

Conservative critics of Santos see his plan as tailor-made to appease the rebels, who have long compared the fumigation with glyphosate to the U.S. military's use of the defoliant Agent Orange during the Vietnam war.

Experts say FARC members are taking advantage of the relative safety provided by the end of fumigation, as well as the long build-up to a peace deal, to urge farmers to increase coca production so they will be well-positioned to receive government assistance when hostilities cease.

Meanwhile, the coca growers have little faith the government can deliver. A visit earlier this year by The Associated Press to a FARC-controlled area in Antioquia found some coca growers bracing for confrontation and showing no sign of slowing down.

"We'll fight whoever comes and touches our plants," said Fernando Zapata, head of a community council in the tiny hamlet of San Isidro, his hands swollen green from so many years stripping coca leaves from its knobby bush. "We're organized and will fight to the death if necessary. They want to stop us from feeding our families."

___

Associated Press writer Cesar Garcia in Bogota contributed to this report. Jacobo G. Garcia also contributed.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-07-18

[spidermike007]

Every sensible nation should completely ignore US doctrine and stop waging a war on drugs. It is the greatest waste of resources, and results in millions behind bars, for non violent offenses. The war on drugs was started by a very ignorant couple, named Nancy and Ronald Reagan. They are gone now, and the world should move on. Nonsense is nonsense. Get a grip. Criminalizing drugs is half the appeal. Let people live their lives and drug not only will drug consumption drop overnight, but so will the power of the range and cartels who deal in drugs.

It was said, a long time ago, if it is not working change something. This war on drugs failed a long, long time ago. Intelligent minds would look for an alternative solution. The Eric Holders and the Barack Obamas, and the George Bush Jr's, and the Prayuths of the world do not. They trod forward, trying hard to enact failed policies, when the lessons are right before their eyes.

[rijb]

Every sensible nation should completely ignore US doctrine and stop waging a war on drugs. It is the greatest waste of resources, and results in millions behind bars, for non violent offenses. The war on drugs was started by a very ignorant couple, named Nancy and Ronald Reagan. They are gone now, and the world should move on. Nonsense is nonsense. Get a grip. Criminalizing drugs is half the appeal. Let people live their lives and drug not only will drug consumption drop overnight, but so will the power of the range and cartels who deal in drugs.

It was said, a long time ago, if it is not working change something. This war on drugs failed a long, long time ago. Intelligent minds would look for an alternative solution. The Eric Holders and the Barack Obamas, and the George Bush Jr's, and the Prayuths of the world do not. They trod forward, trying hard to enact failed policies, when the lessons are right before their eyes.

Are you high?

Nixon started the war on drugs in 1971.

[ikbenhet]

A very big business the war-on-drugs trade has become.

Probably much bigger as the the drugs trade itself i guess.

[sanukjim]

Every sensible nation should completely ignore US doctrine and stop waging a war on drugs. It is the greatest waste of resources, and results in millions behind bars, for non violent offenses. The war on drugs was started by a very ignorant couple, named Nancy and Ronald Reagan. They are gone now, and the world should move on. Nonsense is nonsense. Get a grip. Criminalizing drugs is half the appeal. Let people live their lives and drug not only will drug consumption drop overnight, but so will the power of the range and cartels who deal in drugs.

It was said, a long time ago, if it is not working change something. This war on drugs failed a long, long time ago. Intelligent minds would look for an alternative solution. The Eric Holders and the Barack Obamas, and the George Bush Jr's, and the Prayuths of the world do not. They trod forward, trying hard to enact failed policies, when the lessons are right before their eyes.

Are you high?

Nixon started the war on drugs in 1971.

Rijb,if he not high then this statement is the results of a mind that has been warped by ths continued use of drugs.Lots of words with no thoughts of the results.

[spidermike007]

Every sensible nation should completely ignore US doctrine and stop waging a war on drugs. It is the greatest waste of resources, and results in millions behind bars, for non violent offenses. The war on drugs was started by a very ignorant couple, named Nancy and Ronald Reagan. They are gone now, and the world should move on. Nonsense is nonsense. Get a grip. Criminalizing drugs is half the appeal. Let people live their lives and drug not only will drug consumption drop overnight, but so will the power of the range and cartels who deal in drugs.

It was said, a long time ago, if it is not working change something. This war on drugs failed a long, long time ago. Intelligent minds would look for an alternative solution. The Eric Holders and the Barack Obamas, and the George Bush Jr's, and the Prayuths of the world do not. They trod forward, trying hard to enact failed policies, when the lessons are right before their eyes.

Are you high?

Nixon started the war on drugs in 1971.

Rijb,if he not high then this statement is the results of a mind that has been warped by ths continued use of drugs.Lots of words with no thoughts of the results.

Nah. I believe it is you that has not put much thought into this. Many countries have had success with the elimination of the war on drugs. To not question this failed policy, is to march on, in the direction of madness. The war is already lost. Is that not obvious?

The paradox of the war on drugs is that the harder governments push the fight, the higher drug prices become to compensate for the greater risks. That leads to larger profits for traffickers who avoid being punished. This is why larger drug gangs often benefit from a tougher war on drugs, especially if the war mainly targets small-fry dealers and not the major drug gangs. Moreover, to the extent that a more aggressive war on drugs leads dealers to respond with higher levels of violence and corruption, an increase in enforcement can exacerbate the costs imposed on society.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324374004578217682305605070

[SOTIRIOS]

....there is a world market.....

...and this is all about control....

...the rest is all a fairy tale......

[easton]

Every sensible nation should completely ignore US doctrine and stop waging a war on drugs. It is the greatest waste of resources, and results in millions behind bars, for non violent offenses. The war on drugs was started by a very ignorant couple, named Nancy and Ronald Reagan. They are gone now, and the world should move on. Nonsense is nonsense. Get a grip. Criminalizing drugs is half the appeal. Let people live their lives and drug not only will drug consumption drop overnight, but so will the power of the range and cartels who deal in drugs.

It was said, a long time ago, if it is not working change something. This war on drugs failed a long, long time ago. Intelligent minds would look for an alternative solution. The Eric Holders and the Barack Obamas, and the George Bush Jr's, and the Prayuths of the world do not. They trod forward, trying hard to enact failed policies, when the lessons are right before their eyes.

Agreed

[spidermike007]

Every sensible nation should completely ignore US doctrine and stop waging a war on drugs. It is the greatest waste of resources, and results in millions behind bars, for non violent offenses. The war on drugs was started by a very ignorant couple, named Nancy and Ronald Reagan. They are gone now, and the world should move on. Nonsense is nonsense. Get a grip. Criminalizing drugs is half the appeal. Let people live their lives and drug not only will drug consumption drop overnight, but so will the power of the range and cartels who deal in drugs.

It was said, a long time ago, if it is not working change something. This war on drugs failed a long, long time ago. Intelligent minds would look for an alternative solution. The Eric Holders and the Barack Obamas, and the George Bush Jr's, and the Prayuths of the world do not. They trod forward, trying hard to enact failed policies, when the lessons are right before their eyes.

Are you high?

Nixon started the war on drugs in 1971.

Rijb,if he not high then this statement is the results of a mind that has been warped by ths continued use of drugs.Lots of words with no thoughts of the results.

Nah. I believe it is you that has not put much thought into this. Many countries have had success with the elimination of the war on drugs. To not question this failed policy, is to march on, in the direction of madness. The war is already lost. Is that not obvious?

The paradox of the war on drugs is that the harder governments push the fight, the higher drug prices become to compensate for the greater risks. That leads to larger profits for traffickers who avoid being punished. This is why larger drug gangs often benefit from a tougher war on drugs, especially if the war mainly targets small-fry dealers and not the major drug gangs. Moreover, to the extent that a more aggressive war on drugs leads dealers to respond with higher levels of violence and corruption, an increase in enforcement can exacerbate the costs imposed on society.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324374004578217682305605070

Absolutely correct. Thank you for your correct analysis. A voice of reason, in this heated, emotional discussion. Some are so blind to the word drug, they just do not see the facts. And some cannot differentiate between different classes of drugs. No matter what side of the argument you are on, to continue this fight against lower class drugs, such as recreational pot use, THC, hash, and medicinal marijuana is insanity.

[aquario33]

sanukjim :

maybe you shouldnt judge others instead beeing a bit more constructive ??? whats your evidence for said " conclusions" ????

[dhream]

Every sensible nation should completely ignore US doctrine and stop waging a war on drugs. It is the greatest waste of resources, and results in millions behind bars, for non violent offenses. The war on drugs was started by a very ignorant couple, named Nancy and Ronald Reagan. They are gone now, and the world should move on. Nonsense is nonsense. Get a grip. Criminalizing drugs is half the appeal. Let people live their lives and drug not only will drug consumption drop overnight, but so will the power of the range and cartels who deal in drugs.

It was said, a long time ago, if it is not working change something. This war on drugs failed a long, long time ago. Intelligent minds would look for an alternative solution. The Eric Holders and the Barack Obamas, and the George Bush Jr's, and the Prayuths of the world do not. They trod forward, trying hard to enact failed policies, when the lessons are right before their eyes.

The criminal president Nixon started the WOD. Nancy was only known for her lame 'just say no' campaign.

I had access to a fascinating chat with a young thai who claims about 60% of their campus use drugs besides tobacco and alcohol. In addition. The mom and dad hi so generation in particular, are also guzzling drugs. The size of hauls would bear this out. As well as the ridiculous assumption that all users are 'junkie' underachievers. How could they otherwise afford these drugs that sell for a small fortune?

[dhream]

One day the lid will be ripped off the truth that the WOD is a cash cow for elites.

It works so well because it's interconnected, yet no direct links exist.

Kingpins are never arrested. Except in Mexico.

Meanwhile Afghanistan. Colombia. India. Peru. China. Thailand and neighbours, Even North Korea all have industrial scale industries that are all indirectly linked to peasant growers or backyard chemists.

And they meet at UN babble disproven nonsense and then fund more WOD destruction.

The fear conditioned masses believe everything the media feed them. Even though google is overflowing with contrarian new evidence for a health and decrim approach. They 'just say no'. Nancy aparrently fooled some of the kids back then it seems, get em young enough, few have the capacity to rethink what they're taught at the knee. Their betters know this well.

Edited July 25, 2016 by dhream

[spidermike007]

One day the lid will be ripped off the truth that the WOD is a cash cow for elites.

It works so well because it's interconnected, yet no direct links exist.

Kingpins are never arrested. Except in Mexico.

Meanwhile Afghanistan. Colombia. India. Peru. China. Thailand and neighbours, Even North Korea all have industrial scale industries that are all indirectly linked to peasant growers or backyard chemists.

And they meet at UN babble disproven nonsense and then fund more WOD destruction.

The fear conditioned masses believe everything the media feed them. Even though google is overflowing with contrarian new evidence for a health and decrim approach. They 'just say no'. Nancy aparrently fooled some of the kids back then it seems, get em young enough, few have the capacity to rethink what they're taught at the knee. Their betters know this well.

Agree wth everything you are saying. And you are correct. It was the diabolical and seriously misguided Tricky Dick who started the WOD. My mistake. Ron and Nancy just carried the torch. An insane campaign. And yes, as you say I am certain the elite are making a fortune on this so called war. When is the last time a highly placed kingpin, in either the US or Thailand was arrested? Anyone recall? Of course George Bush Sr. ran Air America in the 1970's, during the time he was at the helm of the CIA. Of course Air America was around long before that. The American government was involved in running drugs for the Lao tribal leaders, in exchange for their cooperation. They also made a fortune on this. And even now, who knows which higher ups are involved? Probably many.

The war on drugs is a scam. It must be stopped. It is accomplishing nothing.

[spidermike007]

Sensible nations would adapt a policy like Portugal did. They could then focus on building society, eliminating poverty, disease, and other ills facing society, and feeding the poor. Instead in the US, under Obama, despite many states legalizing pot, the US Attorney general is still waging a war against the growers. Doing something that has been proven to not work, over a period of many years could be called a form of insanity. Or a broken society.

In 2001, the Portuguese government did something that the United States would find entirely alien. After many years of waging a fierce war on drugs, it decided to flip its strategy entirely: It decriminalized them all. If someone is found in the possession of less than a 10-day supply of anything from marijuana to heroin, he or she is sent to a three-person Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction, typically made up of a lawyer, a doctor and a social worker. The commission recommends treatment or a minor fine; otherwise, the person is sent off without any penalty. A vast majority of the time, there is no penalty. Fourteen years after decriminalization, Portugal has not been run into the ground by a nation of drug addicts. In fact, by many measures, it's doing far better than it was before.

https://mic.com/articles/110344/14-years-after-portugal-decriminalized-all-drugs-here-s-what-s-happening#.WyZhqEjOu