COColombia's cocaine production and trafficking have surpassed the economic value of its legal oil exports, according to a recent academic study by Universidad EAFIT. The report estimates that cocaine generated around $16.5 billion for Colombian criminal organizations in 2024, representing approximately 4.4% of the country's GDP. This figure exceeds earnings from oil, coal, gold, and coffee—Colombia's main legal exports. The growth is attributed to increased production volume, with coca cultivation rising from less than 300 tons in 2013 to nearly 3,000 tons in 2024, while prices remained stable. Additionally, Colombian drug cartels now retain ownership of their products during international transit, allowing them to charge higher prices closer to end consumers. The study highlights that a single kilogram of cocaine increases in value significantly along its distribution route, reaching up to $40,000 in Europe.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from an academic institution without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on the economic impact of cocaine production and trafficking but does not take a clear stance on the issue, nor does it favor any particular political perspective. The use
