Peru, one of the world’s largest cocaine producers, experienced a more than 3% decrease in coca cultivation area in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the annual report by the National Commission for Development and a Drug-Free Life (Devida).
The total cultivated area was recorded at 89,755 hectares, down from 92,784 hectares in 2023, marking a reduction of 3,029 hectares.
Meanwhile, 26,475 hectares of illegal crops were eradicated, representing a 17% increase from 2023. This is the highest level of eradication in eight years, as per the report.
Despite the extensive destruction efforts, the net decline remains modest due to replanting in other, often more remote, areas.
“This marks the second consecutive year of decline after eight years of continuous increase,” said Carlos Figueroa, the president of the commission, during a press conference on Friday.
“This is good news as the market is currently experiencing very high demand,” emphasised Leonardo Correa, regional coordinator of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Alongside Colombia and Bolivia, Peru is among the leading cocaine producers globally, according to the United Nations. Peruvian authorities estimate the country produces approximately 400 tonnes of cocaine annually.
In 2024, around 100 tonnes of drugs were seized and incinerated in Peru, according to the police, who dismantled 119 criminal organisations linked to drug trafficking.
Coca leaf cultivation is legal in Peru for traditional or medicinal purposes, but 90% of production is channelled towards drug trafficking.
