Cocaine Set to Be Colombia’s Main Export

Cocaine could overtake petroleum as Colombia’s primary export by the end of the year, according to new estimates from Bloomberg Economics. In 2022, Colombia exported:

• $19.1 billion worth of oil
• $18.2 billion worth of cocaine
• A record 1,738 tons of cocaine

These two products together accounted for half of Colombia’s export revenue for 2022. But in the first half of 2023, oil exports plunged 30 percent. So it is almost certain that cocaine will be the South American nation’s main export this year.

Rising demand: Some 22 million people worldwide use cocaine, including more than 5 million Americans. And Colombia is the world’s biggest supplier of this drug. Colombia’s cocaine production increased 24 percent between 2021 and 2022, indicating a rising demand for the drug around the world.

The leftist government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro has veered away from a hard-line approach to dealing with coca farmers. Meanwhile, the leftist government of United States President Joe Biden has turned a blind eye to cocaine in the White House. Leaders around the world are signaling to their people that cocaine use is normal and acceptable.

Chemical weapon: The Colombian and Mexican cartels are profiting from America’s drug addiction. But the blame for America’s self-destruction ultimately lies with the American people. Drug pushers may be putting this chemical weapon into the hands of Americans, but it is Americans who are foolishly using it on themselves.

The Apostle Peter wrote, “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for whatever overcomes a man, to that he is enslaved” (2 Peter 2:19; Revised Standard Version).

More Americans are dying from drug addiction each year than died during the entire Vietnam War. Drugs are destroying America’s willpower and leading to a prophesied time when foreign enemies will enslave this nation. Only repentance can dismantle America’s culture of escapism and turn people to God’s wholesome way of life.

Learn more: Read “Drug Cartels Are in Control.”