Cocaine is Colombia's Top Export

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro admitted on Friday that cocaine and oil have always vied for the position of the country's top export. 

Indeed, Petro’s opponents have accused him of creating a “narco state”, while the president insists that market forces are responsible for a surge in cocaine production. 

Under Petro (right), Colombia has largely abandoned its policy of fumigating coca plantations, focusing instead on arresting senior drug gang leaders. Meanwhile, Petro has permitted small coca farmers to keep their crops, and struck ceasefire deals with some of the country’s largest armed militias, many of whom finance their guerilla operations with cocaine profits.

Amid this softening of drug policy, cocaine cultivation reached a record high in Colombia last year, according to a UN report. With potential output of the drug up 24% on 2021, cocaine is set to overtake oil as Colombia’s most lucrative export before the end of the year, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. In 2022, Colombian cocaine exports earned $18.2 billion, with oil earning $19.1 billion, according to Bloomberg’s figures.

On Saturday, Liverpool managed to come from behind to win 3-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

It was Wolves that scored in the seventh minute. But the Reds were much improved after the break and drew level when Cody Gakpo converted Mohamed Salah's fizzing cross-shot in the 55th minute. 

Andy Robertson then marked his 200th Premier League appearance by putting the Reds ahead for the first time on 85 minutes, before substitute Harvey Elliott's shot deflected off an opposing player for an own goal (90+1) to seal the victory in stoppage time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also yesterday, Celtic moved two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after eventually overwhelming stubborn Dundee 3-0. 

 

David Turnbull made the vital breakthrough from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after the Scotland midfielder went down on the edge of the penalty box. Kyogo Furuhashi headed the second and set up Matt O'Riley for a neat finish for Celtic's third goal.