Crime and violence in El Salvador are fueled by street gangs – particularly the infamous Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) and to a lesser extent two factions of the Barrio 18. The gangs control territory through cliques, engaging in low-level crimes like extortion, kidnapping and drug sales. Drug trafficking groups – the Perrones and the Texis Cartel – also have operations in the country. But these groups have been on the decline after the arrests of key figures, leaving a door open for the country’s dominant gang – the MS13 – to enter the trafficking market.
Latest News
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After six months, the state of exception in Honduras has failed to significantly reduce gang violence and extortion.
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Nelson Alexander Flores Pacheco, alias "Mula", was the liaison between the Mexican Mafia and the MS13 in Tijuana, Mexico.
InSight Crime’s Cocaine Seizure Round-Up 2022
InSight Crime reviews Latin America and the Caribbean's cocaine seizure date from 2022 to find out what it reveals about regional trafficking.
El Salvador Profile
El Salvador is a relatively small but growing player in the drug trafficking business. It serves as a drug receiving and storage point along the Pacific Coast, and a bridge via the Pan-American Highway, the Fonseca Gulf and roads from Honduras that cut through relatively unpopulated areas. Gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18 commonly engage in extortion, kidnapping and domestic drug distribution. Accompanying and exacerbating the country's general insecurity is a weak judicial system that promotes impunity.
EL SALVADOR PROFILEInvestigations
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As the CITES treaty hits 50, we take a look at its successes, failures, and future challenges in reducing the illicit trade of wildlife.
US authorities have made several arrests that could strike a big blow to the MS13’s Mexico Program.
In El Salvador, crackdowns have led to rapid improvements in security. But there is real doubt about whether gangs are gone for good or what Bukele’s real motives may have…
InSight Crime's 2022 Homicide Round-Up covers more countries than ever before, with a major expansion into nations of the Caribbean.
While thousands of gang members have been arrested in El Salvador, some may have moved their activities to Mexico.
Extortion in Latin America continues to bring in fortunes for criminal gangs. So how do they do it?…

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