Maritime drug trafficking in Latin America Facts and Trends

Maritime drug trafficking in Latin America is a complex issue that affects not only the region but also the global community. According to the article, the region's geography makes it an ideal hub for drug trafficking, with many countries bordering the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.

The Caribbean region is particularly vulnerable to maritime drug trafficking, with the majority of cocaine shipments passing through its waters. In fact, the article states that the Caribbean accounts for over 90% of all cocaine seized in the Americas.

Latin America's maritime borders are often poorly monitored, making it easier for traffickers to operate undetected. The article notes that the lack of effective border control and corruption within law enforcement agencies contribute to the region's vulnerability to drug trafficking.

The consequences of maritime drug trafficking in Latin America are far-reaching, with the region experiencing high levels of violence, corruption, and social unrest.

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Maritime drug trafficking in Latin America is a significant concern, with the region accounting for a substantial portion of global cocaine seizures. The Caribbean is a major transit point, with many trafficking routes passing through the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles.

The Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful cartels, has been linked to maritime trafficking operations in the region. They often use speedboats to transport large quantities of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico.

The use of maritime trafficking allows cartels to evade law enforcement and customs agencies, making it a preferred method for smuggling large quantities of illicit goods.

Maritime drug trafficking in Latin America often involves the use of a variety of vessels, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes.

The most common type of vessel used for maritime drug trafficking is the go-fast boat, a high-speed, flat-bottomed boat that can reach speeds of up to 40 knots.

These boats are typically 20-30 meters long and can carry large quantities of illicit cargo.

The use of go-fast boats allows traffickers to quickly transport drugs across the Caribbean Sea and into the United States.

In some cases, traffickers also use larger vessels, such as cargo ships and fishing boats, to transport larger quantities of drugs.

These vessels are often used for longer journeys and can be more difficult to detect by law enforcement.

The Colombian Navy has reported seizing several cargo ships and fishing boats carrying large quantities of cocaine and marijuana.

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Maritime drug trafficking in Latin America is a complex issue, but understanding the routes and hotspots is crucial to grasping its scope.

The Caribbean Sea is a major hub for maritime drug trafficking, with routes stretching from Colombia to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

The Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico, has been known to use the Gulf of Mexico to smuggle large quantities of cocaine and heroin.

The Colombian port city of Cartagena is a key hotspot for maritime drug trafficking, with many seizures of cocaine and other illicit substances made in the area.

The use of speedboats and other high-speed vessels has become increasingly common in maritime drug trafficking, allowing smugglers to quickly transport large quantities of drugs across the Caribbean Sea.

The waters off the coast of Panama are another hotspot for maritime drug trafficking, with the Panama Canal serving as a major transit point for illicit goods.

The Colombian Navy has made significant efforts to combat maritime drug trafficking, seizing large quantities of cocaine and other illicit substances in recent years.

The use of GPS and other navigation technology has made it easier for smugglers to navigate the Caribbean Sea and avoid detection.

The United States Coast Guard has been actively involved in combating maritime drug trafficking in Latin America, with a focus on the Caribbean and Central America.

In 2019, the Coast Guard seized over 100,000 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated $3.6 billion.

The Coast Guard has also been working closely with partner nations to share intelligence and coordinate efforts.

In 2018, a joint operation between the Coast Guard and the Colombian Navy resulted in the seizure of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine.

The Coast Guard's efforts have been instrumental in disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.

The Coast Guard has also been using advanced technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to monitor the waters and detect suspicious activity.

In 2020, the Coast Guard used UAVs to detect and interdict a vessel carrying 500 kilograms of cocaine.

In recent years, maritime drug trafficking in Latin America has become a pressing concern. 90 high-level representatives from 20 countries gathered in Lisbon for the "Atlantic Alliance to combat illicit maritime trafficking" event.

The meeting was organized as part of the sixth phase of the European SEACOP project, which aims to combat illicit maritime trade and associated criminal networks. The project was first launched in 2010.

Drug trafficking is emerging as a major issue, with traffickers seeking the same routes as smugglers did in the past. Rear Admiral José Luis Elizondo of the National Naval Prefecture of Uruguay explained that drug traffickers take advantage of vulnerabilities in authorities and security systems to enter countries.

The SEACOP project has been working to alleviate the negative impact of illicit trade on security, public health, and socio-economic development. The project brings together public law enforcement personnel and key actors in the maritime security field to share best practices and strategies.

Here are some key facts about the SEACOP project: