Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025 – The Embassy of Colombia in the United States, in collaboration with the American University Washington College of Law, called a high-level discussion on drug policy, highlighting the results, impact, and human rights implications of the ongoing efforts between Colombia and the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and transnational crime.
The event brought together key experts from academia, civil society, and government to examine the evolving challenges and shared responsibilities in addressing illicit economies and their broader impact on security and governance.
The Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, Daniel García-Peña, delivering the keynote address, reaffirmed Colombia’s leadership in combating drug trafficking, stating that "no country has undertaken greater efforts or borne heavier sacrifices in the global fight against illicit narcotics."
Building on this commitment, Colombia has led a sustained and sophisticated campaign, continuously adapting its strategies over four decades to dismantle drug cartels, intercept cocaine shipments, and strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
As a result of these efforts, in 2024 alone, Colombia seized 884 tons of cocaine, marking the highest interdiction figures in history, with 65% of all global seizures linked directly to cooperation between Colombia and the United States.
The Ambassador underscored that while these figures reflect undeniable progress, enforcement alone is not enough to dismantle transnational criminal networks, which have increasingly expanded into arms smuggling, human trafficking, and financial crimes. He stressed that tackling drug-related crime must also focus on reducing demand, investing in sustainable economic alternatives, and reinforcing state presence in historically marginalized territories.
The panel featured prominent voices, including Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón, Co-Director of the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University; Irene Cabrera, Professor at Universidad Externado de Colombia; John Walsh, Director for Drug Policy and the Andes at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); Juan Pappier, Americas Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch; and Viancy Ortiz, AUWCL Alumni. Moderated by Andrés González Díaz, former Colombian Representative to the OAS and Director of the Center for Peace Studies at Universidad Externado.
The discussion underlined that dismantling criminal organizations requires a comprehensive, intelligence-driven approach that extends beyond interdiction efforts to disrupt financial flows, target money laundering networks, and reinforce judicial cooperation between Colombia and the United States.
Throughout the discussion, experts highlighted the necessity of refining bilateral strategies. However, speakers noted that transnational criminal networks continue to adapt, exploiting new trafficking routes and diversifying their illicit activities, which requires ongoing adaptation and stronger multilateral coordination.
The event concluded with a call for an integrated approach that balances enforcement with social investment, ensuring that Colombia’s National Drug Policy (2023–2033) aligns with broader security and development objectives. Strengthening alternative development programs, securing economic opportunities for rural communities, and addressing corruption within illicit financial systems were identified as essential to achieving lasting results.
Missed the discussion? The full panel recording is available online, along with a detailed factsheet outlining key takeaways on the topic.
📌 Watch the full panel recording in the link below 📄 Download the factsheet with key insights HERE For further updates, follow @ColombiaEmbUSA