AssetID: 54493455
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Colombian President Petro Compares Cocaine to Whisky, Calls for Global Legalization
Caption: Colombian President Petro Compares Cocaine to Whisky, Calls for Global Legalization. Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed that “cocaine is no worse than whisky” and suggested the drug trade could be dismantled if cocaine were legalized worldwide, CNN News reports. Despite decades of government efforts to curb trafficking, Colombia remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocaine, mainly to the U.S. and Europe. Speaking in a six-hour ministerial meeting broadcast live, Petro argued that cocaine is illegal “because it is made in Latin America, not because it is worse than whisky.” Since Petro took office in 2022, cocaine production has reached record highs, with potential output surpassing 2,600 metric tons in 2023, according to the UN. Petro proposed that legalizing cocaine—similar to alcohol—would end trafficking, saying, “If you want peace, you have to dismantle the business.” While defending Colombia’s drug trade, Petro criticized fentanyl, arguing that it is “killing Americans” but is not produced in Colombia. He blamed North American pharmaceutical companies for the opioid crisis. Petro’s remarks come after a diplomatic standoff with President Donald Trump, who blocked U.S. military flights deporting Colombian migrants, leading to threats of tariffs and visa restrictions. While cocaine remains illegal in most countries, some governments have decriminalized possession in small amounts. It is the fourth most-consumed drug globally, according to the UN. U.S. health agencies warn both substances pose serious health risks, with cocaine linked to addiction and overdoses, while excessive alcohol use causes liver disease, cancer, and violent incidents. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Colombian,Colombia,President,Gustavo Petro,Compares,Cocaine,Whiskey,Legalization,US,United States,Drug,Trafficking,Europe,UN,United Nations,Consumed,Alcohol,Fentanyl,Dismantled
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