News Analysis

Across the Americas, Governments Aim to Rein in Flow of Guns

InSight Crime spoke to journalist Ioan Grillo to better understand gun trafficking into Latin America from the United States.

The Fraudsters: Venezuela’s Organized Crime Vultures

As organized crime increases in Venezuela, more people and businesses are falling victim to extortion carried out by opportunists.

‘Clan Farruku’ Arrests Highlight Albanians’ Latin America Cocaine Connections

Clan Farruku, an Albanian crime group, was recently dismantled in Ecuador after receiving over ten tons of cocaine from Latin…

Spanish Mega Lab Raises Questions About Cocaine Production in Europe 

Spanish authorities seized a record cocaine lab, but questions remain about the prevalence of cocaine production in Europe.

Chile Hands New Powers to Police as Security Deteriorates

Chile has passed new legislation to empower police forces to fight a rise in crime. But will this really make…

5 Takeaways From US Indictments of Chapitos, Associates

US prosecutors have provided an unprecedented look at how the Chapitos operate in Mexico and how they dominate the fentanyl…

Ecuador Gang Massacre Highlights Intensified Fight for Drug Routes

The Tiguerones gang is thought to be behind the massacre in Esmeraldas, as they battle for control of international drug…

Russia Emerges as Alternative Route for Cocaine Headed to Europe

Authorities in Russia made a large-scale seizure of cocaine in Moscow, following another in St. Petersburg last month.

Inside the Evaporating Black Market for Gasoline in Zulia, Venezuela

Zulia's gasoline black market has disappeared as government policies and supply increases take effect. But will it soon return?…

Paraguay Shown as Key Link in Bolivia-Europe Cocaine Route

Operation Hinterland is one of many crackdowns undertaken by authorities recently, showing that Paraguay's cocaine connection remains strong.

Paraguay Anti-Marijuana Operations Barely Dent Production in Amambay

Authorities have once again destroyed vast amounts of marijuana in Amambay, Paraguay. Why does cultivation continue unimpeded?…

Ecuador Eases Access to Guns Amid Spike in Violence

President Guillermo Lasso has authorized Ecuador's citizens to possess weapons. But will it reduce insecurity in the country?…