News Analysis

Peace Dissipates as the Cocaine War Intensifies in Putumayo

The rapid expansion of FARC dissident groups has brought an end to a fleeting period of tranquility in Putumayo. Now,…

How MS13 Gang Members in El Salvador Control Their Partners from Prisons

Gang members' romantic partners are often also their victims, subordinate to the whims of their companions. MS13 members have been…

The Beast Behind the Red Light: MS13 and Prostitution

The notorious MS13 street gang boasts a diverse criminal portfolio – including prostitution. Through violence, abuse and intimidation, the gang…

United They Stand, Divided They Fall - Urabeños Losing Grip in Colombia

Before his arrest and extradition, Otoniel, both a former guerrilla fighter and ex-paramilitary, has an unparalleled reputation in the underworld.

From Singing in Court to Alleged International Cocaine Deals - The Fall of Brazil's Nelma Kodama

A protagonist in one of Brazil’s most infamous corruption scandals is behind bars again, accused of participating in an international…

Chile Increasingly Worried About Weapons Trafficking from Argentina

Authorities in Chile are sounding the alarm over repeated seizures of small quantities of arms being trafficked through Argentina, especially…

Elite Unit's Closure Further Evidence of Reshuffling of US-Mexico Security Cooperation

The Mexican government's shuttering of a special criminal investigative unit that worked with US anti-drug agents has added new cracks…

Arrest of Leader Shows Mexico's Rojos May Be Increasing Presence in Michoacán

Mexican authorities have arrested a leader of the initially Guerrero-based Los Rojos crime group in the neighboring state of Michoacán,…

Quibdó: The New Epicenter of Violence in Northwestern Colombia

The end of an alliance between two local gangs and possible ties to large criminal groups looking to establish control…

US Indictment of Honduran Ex-President Spells Out 20 Years of Drug Ties

The indictment of former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández has revealed that he is accused of receiving millions in drug…

From Ally to Extradited: Former Honduras President Sent to US on Drug Charges

Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández has been extradited to the United States, drawing to a close a shocking saga…

Cartagena Fighting Reputation as Colombia's Biodiversity Marketplace

Everything from turtles, iguanas and parrots is trafficked through Cartagena, Colombia's illegal wildlife trade.