Government plans for a change in the regulatory system for truckers has drawn criticism from Senator Plinio Olano, who said the new scheme could facilitate drug trafficking, reports El Espectador.
Olano, who is chairing the 6th Senate Commission to negotiate new regulations between the Colombian Truckers Association (ACC) and the government, stated his reservations about the government plan to remove the minimum freight rate, believing it will open the way for drug-traffickers and money laundering.
As the agreement currently stands, the minimum rate will be removed on 15 June.
On February 3, the ACC began strikes over government plans to remove the rate. After lasting for 15 days, the strikes eventually ended when the government signed an agreement that the rates would remain in place while negotiations continue to seek a new system of regulation for the transport sector.
However, President Juan Manuel Santos announced later that same day that the country would continue its move towards a free, monitored system to eliminate freight table rates.
Negotiations will continue over the matter in Congress.
