By Natalia Rueda 
In a bold move to revamp the country’s approach to addressing drug-related issues, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stirred controversy with his recent decree that repeals the prohibition on carrying drugs in public spaces. The decision has ignited debate over drug policies and the role of law enforcement in tackling the country’s drug trade.
The decision has been met with both support and criticism from various groups within the country. Some see it as a bold and necessary step towards decriminalizing drug use and focusing on the root causes of drug trafficking, while others fear it could lead to increased drug use and public disorder.
The rule 844 of 2018, which was eliminated by Decree 2114 of 2023, granted powers to the Police to prosecute and punish the carrying, possession, distribution and commercialization of drugs in public spaces. However, according to President Petro, this repeal could negatively affect the fight against drug trafficking and focus police efforts on pursuing consumers rather than “major drug lords”.
The debate intensified earlier this year when the Constitutional Court ruled that the possession of small doses of narcotics for personal use is not a criminal offense. However, it also decided that the consumption of drugs in public spaces should be regulated by local authorities, leaving the decision up to municipal councils and assemblies.
President Petro’s repeal of the Police Code section aligns with the Court’s ruling and is seen as a significant step towards more progressive drug policies in Colombia. It aims to shift the focus of law enforcement efforts from pursuing individual drug users to tackling larger drug-trafficking organizations.