Latin America’s Bustling Trade in Seahorses to China
A new investigation has identified Mexico as a major contributor to a global seahorse trafficking network centered around China but it seems likely that this trade is also affecting other…
Migrants Killed in Mexico Took Treacherous Path
Nineteen people shot and burned in a Mexico border state near Texas is a macabre reminder that migrants being smuggled to the United States are targets of cartel violence.
Bolivia Rivers Become Increasingly Popular Drug Trafficking Routes
Drug trafficking routes are starting to appear along rivers and canals in Bolivia, threatening to complicate efforts to stop the flow of cocaine to international markets.
Trump Leaves Biden Corruption Problem at Mexico Border Wall
Former President Donald Trump’s border wall project has developed a spotty record of attracting organized crime to its many construction sites, leaving the incoming Biden administration with a financial, legal…
Mexico’s Fentanyl Crisis Reached New Heights in 2020
Trafficking of the deadly opioid fentanyl skyrocketed in 2020 throughout Mexico, solidifying the synthetic drug's status as a top criminal economy and the country's role as an international trafficking transit…
Key Report Urges Ambitious Revision of US Anti-Drug Policy
Congress has released a sweeping report on drug policy in the Americas, laying out a long list of recommendations for curbing drug trafficking and addressing the public health issues created…
Bolivia Dealing with Contraband Surge During Pandemic
Authorities in Bolivia this month have seized several large contraband shipments, as the country's economic struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic continue to increase demand for black market goods.
New Revelations Confirm Impunity for Colorado Party Members in Paraguay
A list of assets belonging to officials in Paraguay has drawn attention to the wealth of a handful of high-profile politicians, who have previously been allegedly tied to drug trafficking…
Venezuela’s Gangs Push Deeper Into Colombia
Authorities in Colombia have captured several Venezuelan gang members, alarming officials who say that the groups are playing out rivalries from their home country while worming their way into local…
Guatemala Officials Say Organized Crime Largely Responsible for Forest Fires
One of the worst fire seasons of the last decade has destroyed huge stretches of protected rainforest and prompted the Guatemalan government to begin developing new, aggressive policies for taking…
Tensions Rise in Bolivia’s Chapare as Government Escalates Anti-Drug Operations
Officials from Bolivia's interim government have stepped up drug trafficking operations over the last six months, but a focus on coca-producing communities in Cochabamba is creating tension with law enforcement…
Arrest of Top Trafficker Unlikely to Slow Growth of Brazil’s PCC
A high-profile drug trafficker connected to Brazil’s PCC has been captured in Mozambique. The surprise ending to a 21-year manhunt raises interesting questions about whether the current leadership of the…