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The Sinaloa Cartel is often described as the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organization in the Western Hemisphere.
Libertadores del Vichada
The Libertadores del Vichada are a splinter group of the Popular Revolutionary Anti-Terrorist Army of Colombia.
Colombia Profile
While Colombia's situation has improved since the FARC demobilized, it faces significant challenges from a more fragmented organized crime landscape.
Carlos Luis Revete, alias 'El Koki'
Carlos Luis Revette, alias “El Koki,” is one of Venezuela’s most wanted criminals and leader of the “megabanda" that controls…
EPL
The EPL, also called the Pelusos, were once a major criminal threat in Colombia but have faded in recent years…
Santa Ana, El Salvador
Santa Ana is a key transit point for criminal groups smuggling cocaine and marijuana between El Salvador and Guatemala. It…
La Unión, El Salvador
La Unión’s two ports and its Pacific coastline are routinely used by cocaine smugglers moving drugs north in boats and…
Chalatenango, El Salvador
Though not a major hub for transnational organized crime, the department of Chalatenango is a transit point for migrants, arms…
Cabañas, El Salvador
Aside from some contraband smuggling between Cabañas and neighboring Honduras, there is no indication that the department is involved in…
San Miguel, El Salvador
San Miguel was an important operational center for the once-powerful Perrones drug cartel. It is also a hotbed for gang…
Morazán, El Salvador
There is a minor presence of transnational organized crime in Morazán and limited gang activity.
Latest
CJNG Control of Illegal Mining in Michoacán, Mexico, Claiming Indigenous Lives
With cartels like the CJNG muscling in on illegal mining in Michoacán, Mexico, Indigenous community members continue to suffer.
Otoniel Pleads Guilty: Farewell to Colombia's Last Kingpin
Otoniel, the fallen head of the Urabeños crime syndicate, has pleaded guilty in New York. His trial will mark the end of an era.
Ecuador's Navy Grappling With Mounting Evidence of Criminal Collusion
Corrupt Navy troops in Ecuador can be highly useful for drug traffickers, either to protect cocaine shipments or to simply let them pass.