Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery, according to the United Nations (U.N.), which has been fighting this type of crime for more than a decade. In South America, the majority of victims are women, following the trend in other parts of the world, according to the 2020 Global [ … ]
Transnational Threats
US, Ecuador Seize More than 2.4 Tons of Drugs
U.S. and Ecuadorian law enforcement forces joined capabilities to seize 2,439 kilograms of drugs bound for Europe and North America, in operations carried out January 16-21, 2021. On January 21, the Ecuadorian Navy said on Facebook that in a coordinated operation, the U.S. Coast Guard handed over two Ecuadorian citizens [ … ]
Colombia Disrupts Drug Trafficking, Destroys Labs
The Colombian Armed Forces reported the interception and seizure of three vessels loaded with drugs, the destruction of 13 coca base paste labs, and the discovery of an open marijuana warehouse, in various areas of the country, January 15-22. On January 22, in the Guainía department, 25 kilometers off the [ … ]
Bolivian Forces Seize More than Half-Ton of Cocaine
The Bolivian Special Force against Drug Trafficking (FELCN, in Spanish) seized more than half a ton of cocaine and captured 11 people in three operations in the Cochabamba and Beni departments, the institution reported on Facebook. On January 23, the FELCN announced the results of two operations in Chapare province [ … ]
Colombian Navy Seizes Cocaine, Solid Chemical Precursors in Two Operations
The fight against narcotrafficking continues for the Colombian Navy, which in late January seized half a ton of cocaine in the Caribbean coast of Colombia and more than 5 tons of solid chemical precursors for its production on the Amazon River. During a combined operation by the Colombian Navy and [ … ]
Colombia Captures Alias Mariachi, Link to Mexican Cartels in Colombia and Ecuador
The Colombian National Police, in coordination with the Ecuadorian Anti-Narcotics Police, reported the capture of Ecuadorian national Alex Fernando Izquierdo, alias Mariachi, at Antioquia International Airport on January 22. Izquierdo engaged in transnational drug trafficking and money laundering for the Mexican cartel Jalisco New Generation. “Through the exchange of information [ … ]
Brazilian Federal Highway Police Seizes Large Quantity of Marijuana
The Paraná Federal Police (PRF, in Portuguese) has intensified operations to combat narcotrafficking, resulting in the seizure of about 146 tons of marijuana — a historic record for the state institution — in 2020. This work continues to deliver significant results into early 2021. On January 6, PRF agents and [ … ]
Russia Tests Direct-ascent Anti-satellite Missile
Russia has conducted a test of a direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile. “Russia publicly claims it is working to prevent the transformation of outer space into a battlefield, yet at the same time Moscow continues to weaponize space by developing and fielding on-orbit and ground-based capabilities that seek to exploit U.S. [ … ]
Colombia Captures 181 Clan del Golfo Members
On January 4, 2021, the Colombian National Police reported the results of a macro-operation against the criminal group Clan del Golfo, carried out between December 30, 2020, and January 2, 2021, which led to the capture of 181 people. Operation Agamemnon, which consisted of three simultaneous operations, was carried out [ … ]
Panama Seizes More than 1 Ton of Cocaine in Maritime Shipment
Panamanian authorities began 2021 dealing a blow to narcotrafficking, seizing more than 1 ton of cocaine in a port in the province of Colón. Units of Panama’s National Police Intelligence Directorate, in coordination with the Office of the Prosecutor for Narcotics of Colón and Guna Yala, found 1,736.7 kilograms of [ … ]
The Dire Effects of Illegal Fishing
Illegal fishing poses a severe threat to the economies, environment, and security of Pacific Rim nations, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and a new report in the journal Science Advances. The report, Illuminating Dark Fishing Fleets in North Korea, highlights the risks of illegal fishing in the Pacific Rim. [ … ]
Nicaragua Passes Legislation to Outlaw Opposition Members in Presidential Elections
On December 21, 2020, the Nicaraguan Parliament passed a law paving the way for Daniel Ortega to remain in power in the next elections of November 2021. The Law in Defense of the Rights of the People to Independence, Sovereignty, and Self-determination for Peace will allow the Sandinista regime to [ … ]