Colombia to donate drug lords’ homes to the people

COLOMBIAN drug lords’ homes worth millions of dollars will be given to farmers, universities and women’s rights groups as part of a wider reparations package designed to address inequality in the South American country.

Colombia has traditionally sought to sell confiscated properties and goods to fund victim reparations, and last year launched a real estate agency to manage some of the houses, farms and properties seized from criminals. They have been valued at some £4.2billion in total.

But selling them 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 drug sentences in the United States.

“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 (£4.2billion),” Gustavo Petro, the president, said at an event celebrating the appointment of officials, including the new head of the country’s anti-money laundering unit.

“It will require much courage,” Mr Petro added.