#us-colombia-tensions

#us-colombia-tensions

The world's largest producer and exporter of cocaine doesn't know its own production. The figure exists, but no one can vouch for its accuracy. After nearly 20 years using the same methodology, Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced its inaccuracy and decided not to release the numbers. The cocaine production figure, which has continued to rise, became a state secret. Four dubious digits that summarize a huge problem: Colombia lacks a reliable method for measuring one of the world's most profitable illegal businesses.

A group of United Nations experts say U.S. strikes targeting boats in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela amount to extrajudicial execution. In recent weeks, the U.S. has struck seven boats, claiming they were being used to traffic drugs, but the U.S. has offered no proof to back up its claim. The U.N. experts said, quote, "These moves are an extremely dangerous escalation with grave implications for peace and security in the Caribbean region," unquote.