The Andes
Anti-gang ‘mega-raids’ in crisis-hit Venezuela
As Venezuela lurches deeper into political crisis, President Maduro launches a new phase in his controversial "Operation Liberate the People" security program.
Tag: narco wars
Mexico
Mexican judge approves Chapo extradition
A federal judge in Mexico ruled that drug lord "Chapo" Guzmán may be extradited to the US—where he faces numerous federal charges of trafficking, kidnapping and murder.
Southeast Asia
Death-squad boss elected president of Philippines?
President-elect of the Philippines is bombastic anti-crime hardliner Rodrigo Duterte who boasts of his links to death squads—despite his roots on the political left.
Central America
Militarized anti-narco raids in Honduras
Security forces in Honduras carried out raids on suspected narco-gang safe-houses at various locations, bringing out helicopters and heavy weaponry.
The Andes
Peru: candidate Keiko linked to money-laundering
The contentious presidential race in Peru is being shaken by accusations implicating far-right front-runner Keiko Fujimori in a massive money laundering operation.
The Andes
Peru’s most-wanted nabbed in Colombia
Gerson Adair Gálvez Calle AKA "Caracol" (The Snail), Peru's most wanted fugitive drug lord, was arrested by Colombian National Police at a shopping center in Medellín.
The Andes
Colombia: Uribe calls for ‘civil resistance’
Colombia's former president and now hardline right-wing opposition leader Álvaro Uribe called for "civil resistance" against the peace dialogue with the FARC guerillas.
Central America
El Salvador deploys new anti-gang ‘reaction force’
El Salvador has deployed a new special unit to fight criminal gangs that are now said to be operating not only in the cities but in rural areas throughout the country.
The Andes
Colombia to resume glyphosate spraying
Colombia's Defense Ministry announced that it will resume use of glyphosate to eradicate coca crops—less than a year after suspending the program on cancer concerns.
Mexico
Mexico: probe into missing students blocked
A panel of experts released its final report on the 43 missing students from Ayotzinapa, Guerrero, charging that the Mexican government has hampered the investigation.
Afghanistan
US anti-opium effort in Afghanistan: total failure
Despite at least $7 billion in counter-narcotics spending, Afghan opium production hit 3,300 tons in 2015—exactly the same level it was in 2001 when the US invaded.
Iran
Global executions surge —yet again
Amnesty International's annual report on the death penalty again notes an alarming surge in the number of executions worldwide—now reaching the highest total since 1989.