Indigenous Communities in Rural Mexico Get No Help Against Constant Criminal Threats
The death of two indigenous leaders in Guerrero, Mexico, has again drawn attention to the government’s negligent protection of indigenous communities targeted by criminal groups throughout Mexico. In a…
Avocados, Limes and Peaches: Cartel Violence Kills Harvests of Fruit in Mexico
Mexico's produce industry has taken another hit from cartel violence, as tens of millions of dollars worth of peaches are set to be lost after farmers abandoned their fields.
Chile: One More Departure Point for Europe-Bound Cocaine
A string of drug seizures in Chile, coupled with cocaine discovered on ships originating there, points to the country emerging as another key departure point in the European cocaine pipeline.
Haiti Resurfaces as Transit Hub for US-Bound Cocaine
Haitian authorities arrested Jean Eliobert Jasme in late march after he was indicated on charges of international drug trafficking in September 2021. According to the Miami Herald, he allegedly conspired…
Mexico's Vaquita Marina Struggle to Survive Amidst Intense Illegal Fishing in Mexico
government searching for solutions to prevent extinction while trying not to lose the favor of local anglers.
Costa Rican Copper Bust Underscores Regional Uptick in Theft and Smuggling
The recent discovery of a copper smuggling ring in Costa Rica sheds light on how copper theft is gradually becoming increasingly sophisticated due to demand from Asia.
Chile Becomes Increasingly Fertile Ground for Marijuana Plantations
The most recent bust occurred in the province of Choapa, outside the coastal city of Coquimbo. Authorities seized 8,600 marijuana plants, valued at more than 46 billion Chilean pesos. Just…
Brazil Arms Traffickers Used Portable Technology to Manufacture Gun Parts
Brazilian authorities recently dismantled a criminal network trafficking weapons from the US to Brazil with a twist: The gang imported gun parts and then used a dedicated CNC mill to…
Dominican Republic Cybercrime Ring Shows Extent of Caribbean's Financial Fraud Crisis
The Dominican Republic has dismantled a transnational cybercrime network believed to have defrauded hundreds of US citizens to the tune of more than $200 million, in just the latest example…
Military-Grade Weapons in Michoacán Put Mexican Forces on War Footing
Makeshift bombs and grenade launchers are now being used in battles between cartels and Mexico’s security forces in an alarming escalation of firepower.
Cocaine Flows from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico
Dominican authorities recently intercepted a cocaine-laden speedboat destined for Puerto Rico – the latest in a series of maritime seizures showing a flourishing drug trade between the Dominican Republic and…
Panama, Costa Rica: Major Waypoints For Cocaine to Europe
Central American countries seized a record amount of drugs last year, underscoring how the region has become one of the top suppliers of cocaine not only to the United States…