Colombia's relentless battle against its entrenched cocaine industry continues, as BBC's Orla Guerin recently experienced firsthand. Her visit took her deep into the jungles where the illicit trade thrives.
On the Front Lines
Guerin joined the Jungle Commandos, a specialized police unit with deep roots in international collaboration. Initially trained by Britain's SAS and supported by the United States, these commandos are tasked with the perilous mission of dismantling makeshift cocaine labs.
These labs, often hidden within the dense foliage, are rudimentary structures filled with chemical drums and freshly harvested coca leaves. The goal is to convert these leaves into a sticky paste, a precursor to cocaine.
A Persistent Challenge
According to Major Cristhian Cedano Díaz, a seasoned figure in Colombia's long-standing war on drugs, the tenacity of the drug producers means that labs can be rebuilt rapidly, sometimes in as little as a day after being destroyed.
International Pressure and Local Efforts
This ongoing struggle has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. US President Trump has previously accused Colombia of not sufficiently addressing the drug trade. Contrarily, Colombia's own President Gustavo Petro asserts that his nation is making significant strides, having seized more drugs than any administration before.
Camera work was provided by Goktay Koraltan, with Wietske Burema producing and Marina Costa editing.
Conclusion
The fight against cocaine production in Colombia is a complex endeavor with global implications. While significant challenges remain, the commitment of units like the Jungle Commandos underscores the nation's dedication to tackling this pervasive issue.
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