Mexican Marines captured notorious drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera in the state of Sinaloa. He had been on the run since he escaped from a Mexican prison in July. The dramatic capture of fugitive drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera by Mexican Marines is a major victory [ … ]
Transnational Threats
Central America, Mexico Strengthen Cooperation to Battle Drug Trafficking
Security authorities from eight countries have strengthened communication and increased joint efforts as part of a new strategy to confront narco-trafficking's regional threat. Building upon a series of joint measures initiated in 2015, including signing cooperation agreements and holding joint training exercises and operations, security authorities in Central America and [ … ]
Peru Surpasses 2015 Goal for Eradicating Illegal Coca Crops
Peru, with the cooperation with neighboring countries and the United States, eradicated almost 36,000 hectares that were being used to illegally cultivate coca, and has introduced a number of crop substitution programs. Peru ended 2015 on a positive note, as it eradicated almost 36,000 hectares of coca cultivation, surpassing the [ … ]
The Business of Drug Trafficking in Brazil’s Favelas
The business of drug trafficking in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro is not just young people carrying drugs in one hand and an AK-47 in the other. The Firm, as it is called, has a rigid structure and hierarchy, seeks efficiency, and adapts successful processes from traditional companies.
Narco-populism: A Control Model for Potential Study
Only by understanding the meaning of narco-populism can Latin American countries correctly choose effective actions to fight this scourge and encourage the population to adopt the right attitude.
The Culture and Development of Drug Trafficking in Brazil
The culture of a criminal faction comes from the set of customs and lifestyles that have evolved from the creation of the organization.
Joint Operation Dismantles Criminal Alliance Between ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, FARC in Panama
Following 18 months of joint effort among Panamanian, Mexican, and Colombian security forces, a criminal alliance between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia's (FARC) was taken down.
Costa Rica’s Special Operational Force Cracks Down on Domestic Drug Dealing
Costa Rica's Special Operational Force is targeting local drug-dealing groups, which are responsible for much of the country's violence.
Operation Patria Shields Panama against International Organized Crime, Local Drug Trafficking
Panamanian security forces conducted Operation Patria (Homeland) to fight international organized crime and domestic drug trafficking from October 20 - November 30.
Colombian Army, National Police Neutralize Leaders of Major Criminal Organizations
Víctor Ramón Navarro, alias “Megateo” and leader of the Ejército Popular de Liberación (EPL), and Martín Farfán Díaz, alias “Pijarvey" and head of a drug-trafficking group, died during recent operations by the Colombian Army and National Police.
Uruguayan Air Force to Deploy Airplane Seized from Drug Traffickers
Uruguay's Air Force will use a Cessna aircraft seized by the Directorate General against Illicit Drug Trafficking to fight narco-trafficking and conduct other missions.
Panamanian Security Forces Cooperate with Colombia, Costa Rica, U.S. to Fight Drug Trafficking
International cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking has been critical for Panamanian security authorities in their efforts to improve security along the country's borders with Colombia and Costa Rica.