Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stirred controversy by arguing that cocaine is “not worse than whiskey” and claiming its criminalization is politically motivated rather than based on science.
“Cocaine is illegal because it is made in Latin America, not because it is worse than whiskey,” Petro stated during a government meeting, criticizing the long-standing U.S.-led war on drugs.
As the world’s largest cocaine producer, Colombia has spent decades combating drug trafficking. However, Petro suggested that legalization could “easily dismantle” the cocaine trade. “If somebody wants peace, the business [of drug trafficking] has to be dismantled,” he said. “It could be easily dismantled if they legalized cocaine in the world. It would be sold like wine.”
Petro also contrasted cocaine with fentanyl, which has fueled the U.S. opioid crisis, emphasizing that fentanyl is “killing Americans, but it’s not made in Colombia.”
“Fentanyl was created as a pharmacy drug by North American multinationals,” he added. “And those who used it became addicted.”
Petro’s remarks come amid strained relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. After Colombia initially blocked American military planes carrying deported migrants, Washington threatened to impose tariffs on Colombian exports. Bogotá later agreed to accept the migrants “without restriction or delay,” according to the White House.
Despite decades of enforcement efforts, Colombian cocaine production surged 53% in 2023, reaching over 2,600 tons, according to the United Nations.
Petro’s comments have reignited debates over global drug policy, with some supporting regulation to weaken cartels, while others warn of unintended consequences.