Colombia abolishes fines for drug possession

Gustavo Petro's Colombian government has abolished fines for possession of small quantities of drugs to allow police to concentrate on prosecuting coca kingpins rather than fining consumers, the Colombian constitution authorizing personal possession of drugs.

The measure does not change the penalties of up to 20 years' imprisonment for drug trafficking offences, as provided for under Colombian law, but it does put an end to the fines equivalent to around $50 that police impose on users. The decree also removes police powers to seize these substances.

Former conservative president Iván Duque was quick to react, declaring that with this new measure, «the criminals have had their December», which would encourage crime and harm Colombian children, young people and families.

Gustavo Petro is behind a a new approach to the fight against drugs which Colombia is carrying out with economic assistance from the United States, where the main market for South American cocaine is located. He also ordered the security forces to cease operations against small-scale coca leaf growers.

Plans to legalize cannabis

In parallel with this decriminalization of all drugs, Colombian legislators are racing against time to pass a cannabis legalization bill before the end of the year, thus preventing the two-year legislative process from being reset.

Senator María José Pizarro, one of the main proponents of the cannabis legalization bill, supports the urgency of Senate action before the upcoming legislative recess. The bill has gone through three of the eight required debates, winning approval in both the House of Representatives and a Senate committee. However, to avoid restarting the lengthy legislative process, it must be passed by the Senate by December 16. Senator Pizarro points out that if action is not taken, the reform risks «sinking» once again, necessitating swift consideration by the plenary.

Although cannabis legalization was almost enacted this year, the process has had to be relaunched due to the rejection of the last vote in the Senate. Justice Minister Néstor Osuna, echoing sentiments expressed at a Senate hearing, criticizes the impact of a decades-long «failed war» on drugs that has led to bloodshed, armed conflict and criminal enterprises.