It is not possible to have a clear perspective of the problem of drug trafficking in our country, if we do not evaluate the problem of Colombia’s neighborhood in the current circumstances. It is no longer a question of the fact that our northern neighbor is the main producer of cocaine in the world, which has been known for some time, but also of the fact that in the last three years the cultivation of coca leaves has increased dramatically, production more than in the entire history of Colombia, in fact five times more than in the time of Pablo Escobar, with the paradox that in January of this year, according to official data, zero hectares were eradicated. In short, Colombia is a coca machine.

Why is Colombia now producing more cocaine despite all the billions of dollars invested in that country to fight illegal cultivation? Beyond any assumption or explanation, the underlying reason is that the world now consumes more cocaine, which shows the presence of a strong demand that inevitably encourages illegal supply, even more so when one considers the large profits generated by the traffic in cocaine. With a simple analysis of the numbers, it is possible to confirm that: in Colombia, a kilogram of cocaine costs about 1,500 dollars, which is a value that increases when it enters the soil of Ecuador, because although there are no confirmed figures, it is estimated that it could reach 3 thousand dollars per kilogram. Now that same kilogram of cocaine placed in a European port, like Antwerp, can cost between 60,000 and 80,000 dollars; that is, the 5 tons seized yesterday in Urdesa could cost about 15 million dollars in the country, while in Antwerp they could be sold for 400 million dollars.

Here is an additional explanation to understand the ferocity and violence with which the gangs operate to take over the country’s routes and ports of departure. To all this we add another additional factor: of the 32 departments into which Colombia is divided, 3 of them, Norte de Santander, Nariño and Putumayo concentrate more than 60% of coca leaf production in Colombia, with the aggravating circumstance that both Nariño and Putumayo are on borders with our country. It should be noted that the historical absence of the state in these border departments has always been discussed in Colombia, which has allowed criminal groups to operate almost as if they were in free territory. Tumaco, a town near Esmeraldas, is perhaps the clearest example of how, as Semana magazine said, “narcotics drive almost the entire life of Tumaco.” If we add to that the permeability of the border, it is easy to conclude the reasons why the shipment of cocaine to Ecuador is so important in the drug smuggling plan.

In conclusion: our country faces a criminal challenge unprecedented in its history, not only because of the extremely high impact of violence and money involved, but also because of geographical circumstances that absolutely exacerbate the problem. Without national unity, it will not be possible to face this challenge. (OR)