‘Industrialization’ of cocaine production major factor in drug’s popularity

UN Interviews

The Colombian peace process ended decades of conflict with the FARC, but one unintended consequence may have been an increase in cocaine production.

According to the 2024 World Drug Report, a major annual study from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, prices dropped as more groups became involved in the cocaine trade, and the post-war environment helped make it possible to industrialize production.

Angela Me, head of social affairs at the Office on Drugs and Crime, told Conor Lennon from UN News about the surge in cocaine demand and the impacts of cannabis legislation.