Topic: Drug Trafficking

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Briefing
Colombia - FARC peace talks: 4 things you need to know

Colombia has ample experience holding peace talks – though over the past 50 years, it’s seen little peace. But in early September, President Juan Manuel Santos announced peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Here are four things you need to know about the landmark peace process.
5 countries where the death penalty is legal but rare

India’s Supreme Court sentenced the last surviving gunman of the 2008 attacks on Mumbai, to death. Here is a list of 5 countries where the death penalty is a legal possibility, though rare.
How much do you know about Mexico? Take our quiz.

From Pre-Columbian civilization to the drug trafficking organizations of today, how much do you know about the United States' neighbor to the south?
Osama bin Laden papers: top 5 revelations

A new trove of letters seized during the Osama bin Laden raid paint an intimate picture of the inner workings and struggles of Al Qaeda, from its dabbling in the stock market to practices that would make any Mafia don proud.
Afghanistan: 5 areas of concern after the US leaves

The withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan will have profound, direct effects on the country's security, economy, and society. Here are five areas that are likely to see an impact.

All Content

What's Iran up to in Latin America? Alleged assassination plot deepens concerns.

Iran's ties to Latin American leaders have been growing in recent years, but the alleged assassination plot against the Saudi ambassador to the US is drawing attention to its less savory activities.
Iran assassination plot: Terrorists join forces with Mexican drug cartels?

It's doubtful, experts say, despite reports that Iranian plotters tried to hire members of a Mexican drug cartel to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US in Washington.
US uncovers $1.5 million Iranian plot to kill Saudi ambassador

A plan by Iranian government agents to assassinate Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US has been thwarted, US Attorney General Eric Holder announced Tuesday.
Schools shuttered in Acapulco show impact of Mexican drug gangs on civilians

Schools in the city shut their doors for weeks after teachers became extortion targets for Mexican drug gangs.
Mexico's Zeta Killers kill 32, revive debate about the 'good-guy cartel'

The 'Zeta Killers' have been linked to the deaths of 67 people. While they claim to be fighting the Zetas drug cartel, experts say they are likely just a criminal group adopting the guise of a 'good-guy cartel.'
Mexico's 'Cannabis Libraries' reflect rising drug problem, and changing attitudes

Mexico's Cannabis Libraries, public collections of reliable information about illegal drugs, help to educate citizens in a country that is seeing consumption on the rise.
Mexican families struggle to find drug war's 'disappeared'

Thousands of people have disappeared without a trace amid the ongoing drug war in Mexico. Their families are now demanding action from the Mexican government.
Body dump in busy street highlights Mexican drug war's effect on commuters

In the state of Veracruz, 35 bodies were dumped Wednesday on a busy avenue during rush hour. Mexico's roadways have become a frequent stage for drug war violence.
Colombian intelligence agency's latest scandal: leaking docs to drug lord

The DAS, Colombia's scandal-ridden intelligence service, is alleged to have provided intelligence – including identities of undercover agents – to one of the region's most wanted drug lords.
Venezuela, Bolivia 'failed demonstrably' to meet anti-drug obligations, says US. But did they?

Guest blogger James Bosworth says that while Venezuela is arguably promoting drug trafficking, Bolivia's anti-drug efforts seem on a par with US allies – making US criticism seem sour grapes.
How Nicaragua has been spared Central America's crime wave – so far

Nicaragua has one of the region's lowest murder rates, in part because its gangs are small-time and transnational cartels haven't moved in. But that may be changing as the Zetas are expand south.
Most Guatemalans unhappy with options in this weekend's presidential election

Violence is down compared to the last presidential election, but Guatemalans deserve more than what they have been offered in this campaign of candidates with questionable backgrounds.
Tensions run high in Rio favelas amid 'pacification'

Altercations like this week's fight in Alemão between the army and the local population are expected again as the country adjusts to the irreversible trend of integration.
Why a truce between Mexico and the drug cartels makes no sense

After the latest massacre of Mexican citizens, former President Fox said authorities should seek a truce with the gangs – a suggestion that isn't feasible, says guest blogger Patrick Corcoran.
Good Reads: Qaddafi's African mercenaries, Tripoli's water, and Mexican gangs

Today's must reads include an interview with a mercenary in Timbuktu; Qaddafi's control of water pipelines; and how a US government policy to arm Mexican gangs may have backfired.
Why Obama administration's Fast and Furious troubles may not be over

In the Fast and Furious operation, ATF agents lost track of as many as 2,500 high-powered firearms. Acting Director Kenneth Melson has stepped down, but a congressional investigation will continue.
Deadly tensions over land on the rise in Honduras

Gunmen shot dead Honduran farm workers' leader Secundino Ruiz. A bloody and long-running land dispute in Honduras has claimed dozens of lives, and some parties to the conflict claim that drug traffickers and foreign armed groups are involved.
Why Karachi is seething

Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, is once again paralyzed by ethnic and political violence that over the past three days has killed at least 65 people. In the past year, an estimated 1,300 people have died in the fighting. Below, the Monitor answers four key questions about Karachi’s ongoing strife.
What a comparison of Chavez's and Calderon's wars on crime can teach

The leaders of Venezuela and Mexico have been fighting crime in similar ways. But differences in political agendas, cooperation with the US, and high-level corruption raise interesting questions.
Arrest of money launderer 'Dolly' in Colombia is minimal blow to Sinaloa drug cartel

The arrest of the Colombian woman, accused of laundering money for the Mexican drug cartel, will do little to hamper a group that operates in as many as 50 countries, including the US.
Opinion: Guatemala elections and drug cartels – also a risk for America

Drug cartels have a grip on Guatemala, harming that country and posing a risk to the US. September elections – and the government that emerges – need transparency and reform to free officials from the influence of cartels.
Mexico blocks extradition to US of accused drug trafficker 'Queen of Pacific'

With her flashy outfits, posh tastes, and extensive criminal ties, Sandra Avila Beltran has become a media darling in Mexico and the US.
The other side of Mexico's drug war successes

The government hailed a long list of recent arrests of drug lords and other criminals, but such events always seem to be paired with a setback or other negative development in the drug war.
Drug-running submarine seized in the Caribbean – a Coast Guard first

$180 million worth of cocaine in a semisubmersible vessel was seized off Honduras two weeks ago, the Coast Guard said. It was the first such craft, until now used along the Pacific coast, to be spotted in the Caribbean.
Colombia's criminal networks consolidate around two forces

Two major criminal networks have been extending their reach throughout Colombia. In Mexico. pressure from security forces has had the opposite effect, causing the criminal underworld to fragment.