A proposal supported by Argentina's government to decriminalize personal drug use is causing a stir in rural communities concerned about the growing presence of a cocaine derivative in their neighborhoods, Reuters reported Aug. 18.

The Argentine government has asked the nation's Congress to approve by year's end a drug decriminalization bill that would place the nation's enforcement emphasis on traffickers and dealers. But the proposal has a number of critics who believe decriminalization would give dealers an edge in poor communities overrun by the presence of paco, a substance made from cocaine lab leftovers.

"Decriminalization is just another way for them to wash their hands of the problem," said Maria Rosa Gonzalez, a mother of two children who have battled addiction, referring to government officials.

According to the latest World Drug Report from the United Nations, Argentina consumes the largest amount of cocaine in Latin America, encompassing 2.6 percent of the population. Government leaders, including President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, believe treating users as victims rather than criminals will help law enforcement focus on eliminating trafficking rings.

Paco emerged in poor neighborhoods during an economic crisis at the beginning of the decade, and many residents say its users engage in rampant stealing in neighborhoods and are not deterred by punishment.

Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance, said adoption of decriminalization legislation in Argentina would place its policies in line with those of other Latin American nations such as Brazil and Colombian that have taken similar steps, CNN reported Aug. 1.