Peru Sees First Reduction in Coca Cultivation in Years

For the first time in years, Peru has seen a decrease in its coca cultivation area, which shrank by 2.3% in 2023 to a total of 92,784 hectares.

This marks a notable change in Peru’s fight against illegal drug production, being the first decline in at least seven years.

Despite the decrease, the overall trend in cultivation has more than doubled since 2015.

Peru, ranking as the second-largest coca producer behind Colombia, considers this decrease a positive step in combating illegal drugs.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, hindered eradication efforts due to lockdowns and reduced enforcement.

In 2020, eradication dropped to only 6,200 hectares, significantly less compared to over 25,000 hectares in previous years. This disruption led to a boom in coca cultivation.

The VRAEM region remains central to Peru’s coca cultivation, hosting nearly half of the country’s crops.

The presence of Shining Path guerrilla remnants complicates eradication due to tough terrain and insurgent activities.

Most of Peru’s coca goes to illegal drug markets, with only a minor portion used traditionally for chewing or tea.

Although there is a slight reduction, the challenge of controlling and decreasing coca and cocaine production remains substantial.

This requires ongoing and increased efforts from both national authorities and international partners.

The fight against coca cultivation and cocaine production continues to be vital for Peru and global efforts against illegal drugs.

In conclusion, while Peru’s recent decrease in coca cultivation is a positive step, significant challenges persist.