How have drugs impacted Latin America? by Ryne https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8 en-us 2017-05-22 18:18:39 UTC 2017-05-24 14:55:50 UTC hello@padlet.com Thesis rkrueger1 https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173222706 Drugs have impacted Latin America  economically and with violence. ]]> 2017-05-22 18:31:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173222706 Police/Military Use of Force rkrueger1 https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173222847 “The most important UPP to date, however, was established in the Complexo de Alemâo after the November 2010 police invasion and occupation of the neighboring favela of Vila Cruzeiro. Thirty-one civilians were killed in the process, and members of the local gang were forced to flee.” (Gay, 29, 2014)


These operations were used by the Brazilian police to take out suspected drug traffickers without having to prove their guilt. The constant fighting led to the death of many civilians caught in the crossfire. These "mowing the grass" operations by the police forces were mostly effective, but at the cost of civilian lives. 

]]> 2017-05-22 18:31:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173222847 Cartel Violence rkrueger1 https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173222964
Watch 1:35 - 2:38
This section of the video goes over the impact of the Mexican military offensive of cartel kingpins. 

When these factions split off after losing their leader, they will start fighting for control of the cartel. Civilians are also caught up in the crossfire between rival factions or police, leading to their death. The violence caused by drug cartels in Mexico led to the average citizen living in fear, reducing their quality of life and causing grief with losing a loved one. 

]]> 2017-05-22 18:32:11 UTC https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173222964 Economic benefit of Drugs in Mexico rkrueger1 https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173266044 "Mexico's mammoth underground economy offers a cornucopia of lucrative occupations—kidnapping (for ransom, to intimidate rival criminals, or to collect on debts), extortion, or murder for hire. In Mexico, crime pays." (Corchado, 4, 2009)


The drugs cartels in Mexico used the economic downfall of the Great Recession to recruit young men and teenagers into its ranks. While many of the actions cartel members were illegal, it pays better than a legitimate job. Many Mexicans become coca farmers or drivers for the cartels because it pays the bills, and takes care of their family, which is what is important to every Mexican.]]> 2017-05-23 00:04:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173266044 Economic Benefit of Drugs in Bolivia rkrueger1 https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173267444 “The Bolivian government has estimated that the cocaine trade brings about $600 million per year into its economy, a figure equal to the country's total legal export income. [...] In both of these countries, a large proportion of the coca money is distributed among the growers and other low-level participants in the market.” (Nadelmann, 21, 1990)

The legal economy in many Latin American countries aren't at the level that they need to be to benefit everyone. This is why drug money pumps in $600 million a year into the Bolivian economy. The low level growers and drivers use drug money in the legal economy to buy stuff for their families, which stimulates the economy. This drug money allows the average Bolivian to compete in an economy not built for them.
]]> 2017-05-23 00:18:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173267444 Influence of the FARC in Colombia rkrueger1 https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173268397 “Estimates of the income the FARC derives from the sale of narcotics vary. In 2015, InSight Crime, an online publication that specializes in organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean, estimated the figure between $150 and $500 million a year. In 2012, Colombia’s defense minister, Juan Carlos Pinzon, said it could be as high as $3.5 billion.” (Felter, and Redwick, 2017)


Narcotics are the main source of funding for the FARC in their civil war against the Colombia government. They use this money to organize and fund terrorist acts against government institutions and kidnappings of government officials. This funding allows them to still be in the back of people's minds and allows them to have a prominent voice in Colombia.]]> 2017-05-23 00:27:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173268397 Shining Path in Peru rkrueger1 https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173418163 “In a statement released June 1, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) indicated the designation is based on the Shining Path's partial reliance on the drug trade to finance its ‘terrorist activities.“ (Tabory, 2015)

The Shining Path is a communist revolutionary group in Peru that is trying to cause a revolution similar to Castro's in Cuba. To do this, they tax and protect the cocaine trade generate funding for weapons and manpower. This money funds terrorist acts that impact the everyday citizen in Peru. Without it, the Shining Path would be almost nonexistent because of a lack of influence and power.]]> 2017-05-23 15:14:59 UTC https://padlet.com/rkrueger1/hpb6848x6nz8/wish/173418163