The Andes

Peru coca crop rises for sixth year: UN

A new report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime says that Peru has now achieved rough parity with Colombia in coca production, with vast new areas coming under cultivation.

Central America

UN report: drug trafficking threatens rule of law

Drug trafficking and violent crime in Central America and the Caribbean threaten the rule of law in those regions, according to a report by the UN Office of Drugs and Crime. 

Mexico

Army troops sent to patrol Mexico City suburb

Mexico has for the first time sent soldiers to patrol suburbs of the capital, following the slaying of a politician in NezahualcĂłyotl—the latest in a wave of killings in the district.