How Colombia's Criminal Groups Are Preparing for Presidential Elections

Colombia has gone from a peaceful election in 2018 to a violent electoral process in 2022, with the increase in violence explained in part by the ongoing reconfiguration of criminal…

The Fall of Gentil Duarte – What Does It Mean for Colombia?

Until his death, Gentil Duarte was the most-wanted man in Colombia and one of South America's leading drug traffickers.

Memo Fantasma's Wife Faces Potential Money Laundering Charges

Prosecutors in Colombia held a hearing with the partner of alleged drug trafficker Guillermo León Acevedo, alias "Memo Fantasma," on possible money laundering charges, making her the third family member…

Bogotá's Microtrafficking Gangs Fuel Killings and Torture in Post-Pandemic Boom

A reconfiguration of the groups that control micro-trafficking in Colombia’s capital city is responsible for the series of macabre homicides reported in Bogotá over the last six weeks.

Super Labs and Master Chefs - The Changing Face of Europe's Drug Trade

Cocaine processing has taken root on European soil, Mexican and Dutch synthetic drug traffickers have partnered up, and a new chemical technique is encouraging the establishment of super-labs in Europe’s…

Does Armed Strike Mark Gaitanistas' Last Stand Together?

An armed blockade by the Urabeños drug clan that left much of northern Colombia reeling has signaled that the group – which the government claims to have weakened – still…

Paraguay Grapples with Criminal Sophistication After Prosecutor's Slaying

The assassination of a crusading Paraguayan prosecutor while on honeymoon in Colombia has caused widespread alarm about the rising levels of sophistication and brazenness of Paraguayan criminal groups.

Colombian and Mexican Cartels Pick Sides in Ecuador's Drug War

A recent wave of murders in the Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas provides clues to the role of dissident factions of the now-defunct Colombian guerrilla group known as the FARC in…

Gaitanistas Seek to Paralyze Parts of Colombia After Otoniel's Extradition

After the Urabeños’ former leader, alias Otoniel, was extradited to the United States this week, the group ordered a show of force across Colombia.

Questions Surround Venezuela's Recent Seizure of Rare Drug Sub

Venezuelan authorities have not offered much information about the recent capture of a drug smuggling submarine close to the border with Colombia, leaving it unclear if the use of semi-submersibles…

Colombia's Most Wanted: Gentil Duarte

Colombia's government and military have shown renewed urgency in attacking FARC commander Gentil Duarte, ramping up operations against his forces and killing his allies, while adding new charges to his…

Le Havre Cocaine Bust Marks French Port’s Prominence in Pipeline to Europe

A shootout involving French police and suspected cocaine traffickers in the northern city port of Le Havre has dramatically underscored the seaport's growing role within the cocaine pipeline to Europe.