Colombia’s Drug Crackdown Records Massive Seizures and Expands Voluntary Coca Substitution

President Gustavo Petro reported that his administration has seized 3,210 tonnes of cocaine, surpassing previous governments, and has eradicated 8,584 ha of coca while moving 41,041 ha into voluntary substitution programs. He highlighted that more than 31,000 ha are already in the substitution process, citing growing support from thousands of farming families in regions such as Nariño, Putumayo and Norte de Santander.

In the first quarter of 2026, Colombian authorities seized 37 tonnes of cocaine hidden in legal cargo at ports, using the “rip‑off” method that conceals drugs inside containers without exporters’ knowledge. The same anti‑narcotics unit reported 140 tonnes seized in 2025, with most shipments bound for Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Officials urged tighter logistics security and noted new cooperation with the European Union and China to strengthen the voluntary substitution strategy.