Latin America News
A Traveler’s Guide to Central America: Top Destinations You Can’t Miss
Central America literally reeks of incredibly varied cultures, landscapes, and vibrant experiences only waiting for one to get out and see. Whether it is the call of adventure or the need for rest, there is something special in store for … Read more
Central America Primed for Coca Expansion, Study Finds
Nearly half of northern Central America has the ideal agricultural conditions for growing coca, the raw material for cocaine, according to a new study that warns of the potential spread of the illicit crop across the region. The research paper, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, examined the soil quality, climate, … Read more
Honduras Crime Profile: Examining Criminal Groups, Security Forces, the Judicial System, and Prisons
Due to its geographic location, Honduras is one of the most important drug trafficking transshipment points between South America and Mexico. With every branch of government and its armed forces plagued by corruption, the Central American nation has long played a vital role as a transit point in which criminal groups enjoy official protection … Read more
Colombia Crime Profile: Exploring Criminal Networks, Security Forces, and the Justice System
For decades, Colombia has been the world’s leading cocaine producer. Numerous Colombian criminal groups have entered the drug trade through alliances with mafias worldwide. Colombian organized crime is deeply fragmented. The demobilization of paramilitary organizations in the early 2000s and the signing of a peace agreement with one of the country’s most … Read more
Venezuela Crime Profile: A Deep Dive into Criminal Networks, Security Forces, Prisons, and the Judicial System
Venezuela is a key transit country for drug shipments leaving Colombia for the United States and Europe. Foreign groups, particularly Colombians, have traditionally controlled Venezuela’s drug trade, attracted by poor rule of law and corruption. There is evidence, however, that beginning in the mid-2000s corrupt elements in the security … Read more
Panama Crime Profile: Criminal Groups, Security Forces, the Judicial System, and Prisons
Panama’s location connecting Central and South America has made it a key transit point for illicit trade, as well as a refuge and negotiating area for criminal organizations. Its favorable economy and the booming contraband market of the Colón Free Zone (CFZ) have long attracted international money launderers. The country’s weak judicial system and high … Read more
Costa Rica Crime Profile: Criminal Groups, Security Forces, the Judicial System, and Prisons
Costa Rica has traditionally been perceived as a bastion of security in crime-ravaged Central America. In recent years, however, the country has experienced record levels of violence, which authorities have blamed on its growing role as a drug transshipment point. Local crime groups are growing evermore sophisticated and resorting to lethal violence to secure … Read more