Bolivian security forces rescued 68 Haitian nationals, including women and children, from organized crime, in four operations that concluded on September 5, 2020, in the city of Cochabamba, Bolivian Interior Minister Arturo Murillo told the press. “We [discovered] and are tracking a gang that perpetrates human trafficking,” Murillo said. “It [ … ]
Transnational Threats
Peruvian Armed Forces Target Microtrafficking
Interview with Army General César Augusto Astudillo Salcedo, commander of the Peruvian Armed Forces’ Joint Command. Diálogo: How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the activities of illicit trafficking? Are there any new illicit routes in your country? Army General César Augusto Astudillo Salcedo, commander of the Peruvian Armed Forces’ Joint Command: [ … ]
International Cooperation Key to Drug Seizures in Colombia
The Caribbean Naval Force increased cocaine hydrochloride seizures in Caribbean waters by 52 percent from January to August 2020, according to a Colombian Navy August 22 report. As of August 2020, authorities have seized 84,662 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, while the amount seized in the same period in 2019 was [ … ]
China’s Illegal Activities Affect Latin American Economy, Ecosystems, Security
China’s expansive presence is causing a negative impact on different Latin American countries. Destruction of ecosystems, corruption, crime, and unfair competition are some of the shadows that China casts over the region. The ecological sector is among the most affected. Chinese fishing vessels are depleting marine resources and protected maritime [ … ]
Leader of Criminal Group Alias Cristian Grande Captured in Colombia
In early October, during a joint and coordinated operation carried out by the Colombian Air Force, the National Army, the National Police, the Technical Investigation Corps (CTI, in Spanish), and the Attorney General’s Office, authorities found and captured Danilo Santos Pantoja, alias Cristian Grande, the main leader of the criminal [ … ]
Colombian Forces Seize a Semisubmersible and a Narco-lab in 1 Day
During a joint operation in late August, the Colombian Navy, Army, and National Police intercepted a semisubmersible that was carrying more than 1 ton of cocaine hydrochloride off the Pacific coast of the Nariño department. On the same day, in the Tumaco municipality of the same department, security forces found [ … ]
There Goes the Neighborhood: US Hegemony in the Hemisphere in an Era of Great Power Competition
At the 2018 United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump boasted, “It has been the formal policy of our country since President [James] Monroe that we reject the interference of foreign nations in this hemisphere.” In 1823, Monroe was referring principally to Western European powers whose imperial designs knew [ … ]
US Offers Millions in Rewards for 3 Ex-Venezuelan officials
On September 29, the U.S. Department of State announced a $10 million reward for information "leading to the arrest and/or conviction" of a former senior intelligence official of the Venezuelan regime, as well as $5 million for each of two former Venezuelan officials due to their connection with narcotrafficking. All [ … ]
Brazil, Paraguay Strengthen Fight Against Narcotrafficking Along Their Shared Border
Brazilian and Paraguayan security forces have jointly dealt successive blows to narcotrafficking in recent weeks. On September 22, the Paraguayan National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD, in Spanish) dismantled a clandestine cocaine laboratory in the city of Villa Elisa. [caption id="attachment_40414" align="alignleft" width="338"] Brazilian and Paraguayan security forces concluded the 22nd phase [ … ]
UN Rebukes Maduro for Torture, Executions, Disappearances
Egregious human rights abuses continue to escalate in Venezuela at the hands of the illegitimate regime of Nicolás Maduro, according to the United Nations. During an oral update on human rights in Venezuela on September 25, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said that since July 2, “we [ … ]
Panama Seizes 3 Tons of Drugs in 3 Days
The Panamanian Air and Naval Service (SENAN, in Spanish) seized about 3 tons of drugs, including cocaine and marijuana, in different operations conducted in Panamanian waters in late August. Authorities captured 13 people, Commissioner Ramón Nonato López, SENAN director, told Diálogo. On August 29, SENAN units, after receiving intelligence from [ … ]
UN Human Rights Chief Calls for Venezuela Reforms
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is calling on Venezuela to release all political prisoners and end the repression of political and civil rights. In September, Foro Penal, a Venezuelan network of criminal defense lawyers, reported there were 400 government opponents in Venezuela’s prisons. On September 25, [ … ]