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The problem of exchanging weapons for drugs in Colombia

Colombian authorities fear the operation will abet already serious incidents of gang violence in the country.

Machine guns, rifles, semi-automatic pistols are pouring into Colombia. The Mexican drug cartels easily bought these weapons from the United States and had longstanding business relationships in Colombia, thus forming a decades-long Colombian arms-for-drug operation, as well as is a way gangs use to avoid having to move large amounts of cash across borders.

General Fernando Murillo – Colombia’s national police force said: “It is increasingly difficult to pay for drugs with cash. So now they are using other methods like the Mexican drug cartels can buy. drugs in Colombia and pay with weapons”.

The problem of exchanging weapons for drugs in Colombia - Photo 1.

The influx of weapons is exacerbating the unstable security situation in Colombia. Weapons in the hands of criminals put law enforcement at risk. Last year, 148 members of the armed forces and police were killed in Colombia, the highest number in six and a 57 percent increase from 2020.

According to Colombian police, Mexican drug cartels are present in 11 of the 32 provinces in Colombia. The more extensive and profitable the drug trade is, the more advanced the weapons poured into Colombia. Currently, Colombia’s police force is working with the US and Mexico to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of drug criminals. The more drugs are produced, the more violence between armed groups increases, creating a cycle of criminals feeding other criminals.

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