Colombia to give confiscated drug assets to farmers

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro says the country will give properties confiscated from drug trafficking groups valued at $4.9 billion to farmers, women’s organizations, youth collectives, and universities.

This was contained in a statement by Petro at an event to celebrate the appointment of officials including the new head of the country’s anti-money laundering unit.

“We must make it so that illegally-acquired assets pass to the Colombian people. It isn’t just any amount, it’s 22 trillion pesos ($4.9 billion). It will require much courage.” Petro said.

Petro, who was elected in June, has promised ambitious social programs he says will begin to right centuries of injustice in Colombia and that he will seek “total peace” with leftist guerilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) and crime gangs.

Also Read: Colombia suspends arrest warrants for ELN guerrilla group

The Andean country has traditionally sought to sell confiscated properties and goods to fund victim reparations.

It launched a real estate agent last year tasked with managing some of the houses, farms, and other properties.

Selling the properties is often challenging, with buyers fearful previous owners or their relatives will show up, especially as major former right-wing paramilitary leaders return from serving drugs sentences in the United States.

Zainab Sa’id