News Analysis

Turkish Bananas: The Cocaine Road to Russia and the Persian Gulf

Ahmet Yilmaz* shouldn’t be in a dangerous profession. He’s not a cop or a criminal. Ahmet is a banana importer…

Squid Game - Uruguay Navy Chases and Captures Chinese Fishing Vessel

Uruguay has made the rare move of capturing a Chinese fishing vessel, suspected of illegally fishing tons of squid…

Kidnappings of UN Staff, Diplomats in Haiti Could Help Police Get More Funding

UN staff and diplomats may be being targeted for kidnapping in Haiti, specifically so police can use international outcry to…

Tusi: The Pink Drug Cocktail That Tricked Latin America

Tusi, a pink synthetic drug powder, is increasing its share of Latin America's drug markets.

Two Coca Regions in Peru, One Cocaine Shipment to Europe

European-bound Peruvian cocaine is usually moved by foreign gangs. But now homegrown criminals are muscling in on the action.

Why Did Latin America's Drug Trade Thrive During COVID-19?

Why did drug trafficking enjoy such a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic…

Decimation of Ex-FARC Mafia Leadership May Continue with Death of Iván Márquez

Up to seven commanders belonging to the dissident FARC have been killed in Colombia and Venezuela in the last year.

Death of Iván Márquez Would Upend Colombia's Post-FARC Landscape

While the death of Iván Márquez is yet to be confirmed, his passing would mark a major turning point in…

Clashes Between Cuba's Coast Guard and Human Smugglers Turning Increasingly Violent

On June 28, the Cuban Interior Ministry announced that at least two clashes between speedboat crews coming from the United…

Politicians and Police Linked to Colombian Child Sex Ring

Colombian police uncovered a sex ring featuring underage migrants from Venezuela. Why does sex trafficking flourish in border areas?…

Chile Receiving Synthetic Drugs Galore From Netherlands, Belgium

Authorities in Iquique and San Antonio, port cities in northern Chile, discovered nearly 475,000 MDMA tablets on various ships departing…

Turkey: Cocaine Hub Between Europe and the Middle East

Turkish and foreign law enforcement have seized record quantities of cocaine heading from South America to Turkey, revealing the growing…