International
the obstacles in stopping the drug trade. Although West Africa has been the major hub for drug transportation in Africa, many other regions are now participating in drug trafficking, and transnational crime syndicates are finding ways to maximize profits within the region. The major consumers of narcotics in the world, North America and Europe have begun to dedicate formidable resources to stop the drug trade from growing in their regions. However, Europe is becoming a new consumer of cocaine, as the increased demand opens an attractive market for transnational drug organizations. Europe receives much of its drugs by oceanic shipments smuggled in container vessels either through West Africa or other ports directly in Europe. The United States garners most of its narcotics through land, as the border between Mexico and the United States is the most popular. The constant changes to traderoutes
has made it hard for law enforcement officers to intercept drugs coming into the United States, but the United States has provided extensive assistance to other nations to try to crack down on major transnational organizations. Until 2008, the United States had put forth most of its efforts in Colombia, the main source of cocaine and opiates in the drug trade. Recently, however, the United States has invested resources into Mexico where the direct confrontation between the Mexican government and drug organizations has been prolific. Major organized crime syndicates are constituted within Colombia and Mexico, including the FARC, ELN, Gulf Cartel, and Los Zetas. These organizations have consolidated a major financial and human resources and a weapon arsenal that is unprecedented in the history of the drug trade. Many governments have not been able to combat these organizations partly because of the organizations’ vast resources but also because
of the widespread corruption within the government and law enforcement officials. The drug trade has undermined political stability in the region, which has had a ripple effect within the overall development of these nations. Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia are the major producers of
illicitnarcotics. Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay are major export hubs for shipments from the Atlantic to West Africa and consequently Europe. Although there has been an increase in support within the Latin American region, many governments do not have the sufficient institutional capacities necessary to fully combat drug organizations. In respect to the issue of the Latin American illegal drug trade, the International Community must be mindful of considering the underlying matters of the issue, specifically the growth, transportation, and usage of illicit Latin American drugs. Of particular concern to many nations is the connection between the illegal drug trade and corruption. It is of paramount importance that countries in Latin America enact proper national anti-corruption legislation and improve the efficiency of their anti-corruption practices. Additionally, steps must be taken to confront the problem of the transfer of narcotics from the source to the consumer nation by promoting proper detection, education, and training for local law enforcement. Multi-national cross-border initiatives must be encouraged. Each nation is affected differently by the Latin American drug trafficking; each nation requires its own tailored approach to best combat the illicit narcotics trade. The issue of drug trafficking in Latin America is incredibly multifaceted. Therefore, in order to be successful in combating this issue, collaboration and innovation is imperative.
The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XXII
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