Beefing Up Business

Colombian drug money is running low; and to replenish their funds rebels are heading to the farm.

The South American country is one of the world’s top producers of cocaine. But after more than a decade of a U.S. backed military surge output and income have dropped. To counter the problem the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia have resorted to selling cattle to obtain more resources.

The country’s president says in recent weeks the rebels have been stealing the cattle from other regions of Colombia and putting them on the market. But it’s coming up short compared to what they used to pull in with cocaine.

For the last fifty years billions of dollars from drug money has funded the anti-government groups but now there attacks are dropping which is good news for the country. Since the military surge, security has improved and Colombia is now receiving billions of dollars in foreign investments.

The president is also tackling economic defects that prompt rebel support such as returning stolen land to cash strapped peasants. Despite the drop in revenue, rebels refuse to disarm; and I doubt the trade from coke to cows will beef up business.