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Revision of US Anti-Drug Policy will benefit all of Latin America

A key report published by the US Congress provides a glimpse into what the fight against organized crime could look like during President-elect Joe Biden’s administration.

Revision of US Anti-Drug Policy will benefit all of Latin America
A man lays out coca leaves to dry in the community of Cruz Loma, Los Yungas, the region with the largest area of coca cultivation Bolivia. November 2018.
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Congress has released a sweeping report on drug policy in the Americas, laying out a long list of recommendations for curbing drug trafficking and addressing the public health issues created by drug consumption. The report provides a glimpse into what the fight against organized crime could look like during President-elect Joe Biden’s administration.

Published by the House’s Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission, the report argues for deep, often systematic changes to how the United States combats drug trafficking. It advocates for increased international coordination, a more holistic approach to policymaking, and a review of antiquated punishments for countries not doing enough to meet annual goals.

“We may never end illegal drug trafficking, just as we cannot eliminate substance abuse,” the report said. “But we can better manage these deadly problems with a comprehensive strategy.”.