Narcotics in Colombia and its economic effects
Colombia leads the world in the production of the various assorted contraband psychoactive substances. The production and distribution of these substances such as marijuana, cocaine and heroine have deep seated historical roots dating back to several centuries. Hitherto the outlaw of these psychoactive substances its usage was strictly confined to the primitive indigenous people during the performance of their cultural rituals.
However, an increase in global demand for these commodities in the mid parts of the twentieth century resulted in an upward adjustment in the production and distribution of these substances, as a consequence the emergence and fortification of drug cartels replaced the hitherto purely agrarian practice. Available statistics indicate that, Colombian produced coca is estimated to occupy close to 70% of global stock with a corresponding dominance of the world cocaine export.
The mistaken impression widely held in the early days of the narcotic trade was a lopsided emphasis on its potential contribution to the economic prospects of the country. In retrospect, it has become abundantly evident that the production of these illicit substances primarily used to fund the activities of criminal gangs, guerilla and paramilitary organizations pose a serious threat to the social, economic and political wellbeing of the country and most importantly a painful drawback to the entire peace process (Thoumi 2002).
There is therefore no gain arguing against the fact that no meaningful economic activity can be carried out in an environment characterized by lawlessness and social apprehension. Therefore, to sum up my point, it is glaring that Colombia’s notorious underground narcotic industry is the main impediment to her drive towards economic prosperity.
According to (Gibbs 2002), much of the known information pertaining to the modus operandi of narcotic organizations as business entities available in either the academic or public sector is so limited in scope. What most researchers and writers have thus been able to achieve at best can be said to be very scanty and often superficial without adequate verifiable scientific proofs. What is however certain is that most often than not, these researchers have resorted to the lame application of some conventional economic theories to explain the open part of the industry whilst the core of the industry is still shrouded in unspeakable mystery.
Another visible sign of weakness in the process towards researching into the narcotics industry is the inability to clearly explain the marketing practices and their accompanying techniques as per carrying out the business. It is certainly understandable taking cognizance of the fact that the industry continues to rank high on the list of globally blacklisted industries.
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