Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

Colombian guerrilla movement

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February 2025	President Gustavo Petro publicly stated that the use of cocaine is no more serious than drinking whisky.
2020	Opium poppy cultivation area decreased to 2,460 hectares, representing a 26% reduction from 2019. Colombia produced an estimated 1.5 metric tons of pure heroin.
2019	Area of opium poppy cultivation in Colombia was 3,330 hectares, before a significant decline in production.
2016	Peak heroin production period, with Colombia estimated to produce up to 9 metric tons of heroin.
2016	Kidnappings continue to decline, with 205 reported cases, and common criminals now responsible for the majority of abductions.
2015	Further reduction in kidnappings, with only 213 reported cases, signaling a substantial improvement in national security.
2012	The Norte del Valle Cartel's operational period comes to an end, having exported an estimated 500 metric tons of cocaine worth over $10 billion to Mexico and the United States.
2011	An independent investigation by El Tiempo newspaper estimated that 50% of Colombian cocaine was controlled by BACRIM groups. Colombia remained the world's largest cocaine producer until this year.
2010	Cocaine production drops 60% from its 2000 peak, and Peru surpasses Colombia as the main producer of coca leaves globally.
December 2010	ERPAC paramilitary leader Pedro Guerrero (known as 'Cuchillo' or 'Knife') died after a police raid.
July 2010	Colombian National Police reported 3,749 members in BACRIM groups.