Drug war? It's more a messy set of skirmishes, and no end in sight. The US State Department's annual drug report came just ahead of Carnival. It's not an encouraging read. There are plus-points, some linked to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, but a bleak background as traffickers switch routes back to the Caribbean in response to Mexican law enforcement pressure. From source to north, here's the flow...
Colombia: More than 95 per cent of US cocaine is Colombian. There's progress, with production down by half since 2007. Judicial reforms have paid off. But there's still corruption among officials and security forces.
Venezuela: It's the big jump-off for Caribbean drug routes. With a "permissive and corrupt environment," Venezuela "failed demonstrably to adhere to its obligations." Its authorities "do not effectively prosecute drug traffickers, in part due to corruption," with "very limited counternarcotics co-operation since 2005." However, reversing the trend, co-operation with the US increased last year. President Nicolas Maduro meanwhile announced a tough (and possibly illegal) policy of intercepting suspected drug planes.
Eastern Caribbean and Barbados: There is an increasing flow of drugs, and increasing use of yachts. Marijuana remains a staple crop. Barbados reports an increase in marijuana and cocaine shipments from T&T, though many of these were blocked.
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