News Analysis

São Paulo's 'Crackland' Drug Market Finds New Real Estate

Residents of Brazil's largest open-air drug market may have permanently relocated amidst renewed police interventions and the possible orders of…

4 Security Challenges in Store for Costa Rica's Next President

Following an accelerating trend in the region, self-described anti-establishment candidate, Rodrigo Chaves, won Costa Rica's runoff presidential election with nearly…

A Cultural Occupation: The Guerrillas and the Indigenous in Venezuela's Amazon

It was 2019 when the Colombian guerrillas first arrived to the Cataniapo river basin, known as Ähuiyäru De’iyu Ręję to…

David vs. Goliath - The Family Clan Defying CJNG in Michoacán, Mexico

The deaths of 20 people at a clandestine fight in Mexico’s state of Michoacán has revealed how a fairly small…

Costa Rican Copper Bust Underscores Regional Uptick in Theft and Smuggling

The recent discovery of a copper smuggling ring in Costa Rica sheds light on how copper theft is gradually becoming…

Panama Struggles to Fight Timber Trafficking in Forests and Ports

A string of seizures highlights Panama's important role in international timber trafficking. The country’s strategic position and the presence of…

Police Killings Spike Amid Soaring Violence in Zacatecas, Mexico

Sixteen police officers have been killed in Zacatecas in the first quarter of 2022, another grim reminder of the soaring…

How TikTok Shows Untold Truths of Communities Linked to Drug Trafficking

Millions of young people around the world document their experiences at work, at school or with their friends on TikTok.

Are MS13 Leaders Wanted for Extradition to US Free in El Salvador?

Between July 2021 and February 2022, the government of President Nayib Bukele released four top leaders of the MS13 in…

Raid Highlights Role of Bolivia Private Aerodromes in Cocaine Corridor

A major antinarcotics operation at an aerodrome in Bolivia has drawn attention to the role of private air facilities in…

How Extortion Became Fixed Business Cost for Restaurants in Quintana Roo

For restauranteurs in Mexico's coastal state of Quintana Roo, daily extortion fees are unavoidable. Competing cartels lean on the industry…

Chile Becomes Increasingly Fertile Ground for Marijuana Plantations

The most recent bust occurred in the province of Choapa, outside the coastal city of Coquimbo. Authorities seized 8,600 marijuana…