PAMUN XV DISARMAMENT COMMITTEE QUESTION OF NARCO- TRAFFICKING CARTELS IN LATIN AMERICA

Transcription

1 PAMUN XV DISARMAMENT COMMITTEE QUESTION OF NARCO- TRAFFICKING CARTELS IN LATIN AMERICA Introduction of Topic Though Latin American drug trafficking has been an issue for many decades no country or organization has found a permanent and fully successful way of ending this multi-billion dollar business. The United States and Europe; the two main consumers of Latin American drugs, have both allied themselves with Latin American countries in order to reduce both the consumption and production of illegal drugs but to no avail. It has been found that whenever a drug producing country suffers a bust, another criminal organizations in a different country will take this as an opportunity to become the main producer. The reasons behind Latin America s drug industry s success is the strong market demands and the versatility of major drug organizations. Drug Trafficking Organizations have managed to constantly evolve in order to respond to changing tastes and take advantage of competitor s downfalls. Definitions of Key Terms Opiates The term opiates as mentioned in the research report, refers to drugs derived from the opium plant commonly known as the poppy. These drugs have mind-altering effects and can be highly addictive. Achieving the required effect of well-being often requires higher and higher doses, thus opiates easily lead to addiction, and overdosing is possible and can be deadly. Methamphetamine The term Methamphetamines refers to a chemically created drug also commonly known as crystal meth. Methamphetamines are made from ordinary, inexpensive over-the-counter products. They are highly addictive and produce immediate euphoric results. Pleasure fades as fast as it is achieved so binging is common among users. Drug Eradication The term drug eradication as used in the research report refers to the government policy of getting rid of crops grown for the purpose of drug manufacturing such as coca plants in grown in Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil for the manufacturing of cocaine. This term is often used in Research Report Page 1 of 10

2 reference to aerial spraying but the delegate should keep in mind that there are different methods of drug eradication such as manual uprooting of crops. Drug Cartel The term Drug Cartel refers to a criminal organization created and run with the purpose of managing the illegal business of drug trafficking. They are established to coordinate the production and distribution of illicit drugs as well as related money laundering activities. Background Information Latin America is one of the main geographic zones for drug production and trafficking. In fact, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, are currently the sole cocaine producing countries in the world with Mexico being the largest producer of marijuana and a major trafficking corridor. In addition to these drugs, Latin American countries are also large producers of opiates and methamphetamines. Currently, most drugs smuggled into the US are transited through the Central America- Mexico corridor, in fact 95% of the cocaine in the US is brought over from Mexico. In order to transit these drugs within South America traffickers use overland smuggling, maritime trafficking, and even short-distance aerial trafficking. On the other hand, Latin American drugs shipped to Europe tend to be smuggled via Venezuela and through the Caribbean or via Brazil s eastern coast. The European Police Organization (EUROPOL) has estimated that approximately 25% - 30% of global cocaine production from Latin America enters European markets every year. Despite the US's self-proclaimed war on drugs drug production and trafficking in South America still remains a multi-billion dollar business. In fact, it is estimated by the US Department of Justice that combined, Mexican and Columbian drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) alone, generate, remove, and launder between $18 billion and $39 billion in drug proceeds annually. Major Countries and Organizations Involved United States of America In 1971 Nixon declared a war on drugs. Since then the US has spent more than a trillion dollars on drug eradication programs with low success rates. Throughout the years the US has taken multiple approaches to reduce drug consumption and trafficking. Some internal measures, such as the decriminalization of marijuana in certain states or even the creation and funding of rehabilitation programs (methadone programs) and campaigns encouraging Americans to turn down drugs ( such as Research Report Page 2 of 10

3 the Just Say No campaign during the 70 s) The US has also taken other more radical external measures such the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) in The ACI was one of the US s few successful programs and provided funds in order to aid Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru to carry out drug eradication programs such as aerial spraying of cocoa crops. Though successful, these programs have been banned by the three countries due to health and environmental risks. Columbia From the 1970 s onward Columbia was an epicenter for the growing and smuggling of illicit drugs. One of the country s first major drug cartel was the Medellin cartel, run by Pablo Escobar, but despite their success at smuggling cocaine into the USA, the Medellin cartel was extremely violent and after many altercations with the government and the eventual killing of Pablo Escobar ; was replaced by the Cali cartel. The Cali Cartel was short lived and soon gave place to the current most prominent drug cartel in Colombia: the FARC; a large guerrilla group that initially joined the drug industry in other to finance their anti-governmental activities. In 2012, the FARC and the Colombian government held peace negotiations in Havana, Cuba. In 2014 both parties agreed on a few major steps towards the eradication of the illegal drug trade. It is estimated that as of 2015 Columbia is the largest producer of cocaine in the world, with an estimated 112,000 hectares of coca, making this a 39% increase of coca cultivation from Peru Peru has been a cocaine and coca exporter since the 19th century when it used to ship its product legally to the US. In pressured by the US- Peru outlawed cocaine sparking a growth in the illegal drug trade business and by 1980, Peru was the largest cocaine producer in the world. This changed in 1990 with Alberto Fujimori government which implemented harsh security policies in regards to cocaine. Nevertheless in 2011 Peru was once again declared the largest producer of cocaine in the world and it is estimated by the UN that by 2013, it was also the world's biggest coca cultivator. The current government has put many eradication campaigns in place and exercises tight control on chemicals used to make cocaine. It was estimated that in 2014 Peru had 42, 900 hectares of coca - a 13% decrease from the year before-. The Peruvian government is aiming to bring coca cultivation down to 38,000 hectares by Mexico In the early 19th century Mexico produced opiates and marijuana legally; in the early 1920 s both substance were deemed illegal giving leeway to an illegal drug trade. In the 1960 s marijuana production Research Report Page 3 of 10

4 increased significantly to feed the US s ever growing demand. Currently Mexico is the largest producer of marijuana in the world and in 2009 it was estimated that there were 12,000 hectares of cannabis were cultivated. In addition to growing cannabis Mexico is also the third largest poppy seed cultivator in the world and has become a major center for the production and distribution of Methamphetamines. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) The UNODC was established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations In the early 19th century Mexico produced opiates and marijuana legally ; in the early 1920 s both substance were deemed illegal giving leeway to an illegal drug trade. In the 1960 s marijuana production increased significantly to feed the US s ever growing demand. Currently Mexico is the largest producer of marijuana in the world and in 2009 it was estimated that there were 12,000 hectares of cannabis were cultivated. In addition to growing cannabis Mexico is also the third largest poppy seed cultivator in the world and has become a major center for the production and distribution of Methamphetamines. Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention. It operates in all regions of the world and relies on contributions from member nations for 90% of its funding. UNODC s mission is to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. In 2015 the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (the central policy-making body with regard to drug-related matters) has already begun to implement resolution such as Resolution 58/2 which aims to increase accessibility of scientific, evidence-based treatment for children and young people who suffer with addiction. Timeline of Events Date Description of event The Convention for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulating the Distribution of Narcotic Drugs decides to restrict narcotic use simply for medical and scientific purposes. According to United Nations estimates, there are approximately 200 million marijuana users in the world, most them being in India, Egypt, North Africa, Mexico, and the United States. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is adopted, merging existing drug control agreements. This Convention lists all controlled substances and creates the International Narcotics Control Board Research Report Page 4 of 10

5 President Nixon declares that America s Public Enemy No. 1 is drug 1971 abuse. and calls for further efforts to eliminate drug trafficking 1997 Creation of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime comes into force. This Convention strengthens international capacity to 2003 counter drug trafficking. Relevant UN Treaties and Events Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 This Convention aims to combat drug abuse by limiting manufacturing and consumption to medical and scientific purposes. It also aims to combat drug trafficking through international cooperation by discouraging drug traffickers. Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 This Convention establishes a control system for psychotropic substances. It was drafted in response to the diversification and expansion of the drug spectrum and introduces regulations in regards to a number of synthetic drugs. United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 This Convention establishes measures against drug trafficking, covering issues such as money laundering and the diversion of precursor chemicals. Main Issues Violence In 2013 the United Nations Global Study on Homicide determined that Latin America was the most violent region in the world. It was estimated that of the world's 437,000 homicides in 2012, approximately 36 percent took place in the Americas region (North America, Latin America and the Caribbean). Honduras remains the most violent country in the world (with 91.4 homicides per 100,000 people) along with El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Colombia and Mexico. Around 30% of these homicides are related to gang-activity ; a very high statistic when compared to Asia Europe or Oceania Research Report Page 5 of 10

6 who s gang related deaths only make up about 1% of total homicides. This is due to the fact that, many Latin American criminal organizations engage in wars against rivals or even against competing factions, fighting for control over criminal empires. Most of these organizations are drug-related gangs/organizations such as Los Urabenos, a very powerful Colombian criminal organization. Drug related Violence Agencies such as the Justice Studies Center of the Americas and the Latin American Institute for for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders have found evidence that there is a correlation between drug use and crime. Though unable to conclude how much criminal activity is caused by the consumption of drugs themselves according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime there has been an upward trend in drug related crimes over the past ten years as all Latin American countries beside Paraguay and Peru have noticed an increase in drug related crimes from 2000 to Additionally the Chilean chief of police has claimed that in 2006, 73% of all Chilean detainees were found to have drugs in their urine at the time of detention proving a correlation between crime and drug abuse. Addiction Drug consumption and addiction has been a major issue in Europe, the USA and Latin America. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (and American governmental organization) illicit drug use in the United States has been increasing. In 2013, it was estimated that 9.4% of the population (24.6 million Americans) had used an illicit drug in the past month. This number is up from 8.3 percent in Marijuana is currently the most popular drug in the US and use has increased since In 2013, there were 19.8 million users an increase from 14.5 million in Despite the increase use of marijuana all other drug use has been rather stable and cocaine use has decreased; it was estimated that in 2013 approximately 1.5 million Americans used cocaine in comparison to 2 million in Contrary to the USA European cocaine use has increased in the past few years, in fact approximately 4 million Europeans are estimated to have used cocaine in the year, making cocaine the most commonly used stimulant drug in Europe. In Latin America Argentina, Chile and Uruguay use the most illicit substances among Latin American nations studied in The consumption of marijuana was at 4.8 percent (2.1 million) of the population, followed by cocaine at 1.4 percent. Due to high addiction and usage rates there is constantly a high demand for illicit drugs in Europe, the USA and Latin America. So far DTOs have managed to Research Report Page 6 of 10

7 supply this demand and many Latin American leaders have claimed that if demand was not so high, the illicit drug trade may be less of a problem, urging countries to reduce addiction and usage rates. Possible Solutions Decriminalization After failed war on drugs many countries are choosing the opposite method; decriminalization. The Decriminalization of drugs is the abolition of penalties in relation to drug possession. In Portugal, a country currently celebrating 14 years of decriminalization, individuals are only allowed to possess a very small amounts of illegal drugs without being punished as a dealer. If arrested they can be sent to counselors but generally do not face imprisonment. Decriminalization in Portugal has proven extremely successful; in fact following decriminalization marijuana use in people over 15 was 10%, the lowest in the EU. Proportionally, there is a higher rate of usage of cocaine in the US than marijuana in Portugal. Decriminalization has been very successful in Portugal because since drug addiction is treated as a medical condition rather than considered criminally more drug addicts seek help. Additionally due to the legalization of heroin needles, less people contract HIV. This graph represents the amount of drug-induced deaths since Portugal s decriminalization Research Report Page 7 of 10

8 Border Control Many countries (such as the USA) choose to increase border control in order to seize drugs. This is extremely difficult as most drug trafficking organizations are very flexible and switch their trafficking routes very easily. They also constantly change modes of transport which is why the government needs to set in motion operations that anticipate shifting trafficking patterns. Alternative Development Programs Eradication program such as aerial spraying and manual eradication have proven to be methods that have negative effects on the environment and in the case of manual eradication, methods that violate human rights. Due to this, the UN supports alternative development programs. These programs replace illicit crops with legal alternatives, so that when all their illegal crops have been eradicated farmers still have ways of making capital. Though these programs have been proved successful they must also be enforced properly. An example of a disastrous implementation of this program would be in Laos and Burma where poppy seeds were eradicated before a replacement crop was found. Rubber was eventually the cash crop chosen but unfortunately it can take years for trees to start producing rubber therefore farmers were left without capital leading to a major humanitarian crisis. Decrease in Demand Many Latin American countries often blame the illicit drug trade on the large and demand of the United States and Europe claiming that if the demand was lower the illicit drug trade would be less of an issue. Many countries have attempted to use mass media in order to reduce drug consumption but whether they have been successful or not is very difficult to prove. Resources to Consider Historical overview of Latin American drug trade UNODC s World Drug Report (2015) Good website for overviews on drug trade in Latin American countries such as Colombia and Peru. Research Report Page 8 of 10

9 Good website giving the US ideas for possible solutions Bibliography "Chronology: 100 Years of Drug Control." Chronology: 100 Years of Drug Control (n.d.): n. pag. UNODC. UNODC, Web. 27 Aug "The Colombian Cartels." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 04 Sept "Drug Trafficking in Latin America." Drug Trafficking in Latin America. Drug Policy Alliance, n.d. Web. 01 Sept "Human Rights and Drug Policy." Crop Eradication (n.d.): n. pag. OHCHR. OHCHR, Web. 24 Aug Hyland, Steven. "The Shifting Terrain of Latin American Drug Trafficking." Origins. The Goldberg Center, n.d. Web. 3 Sept "Nationwide Trends." Drug Abuse. US Department of Heath and Human Services, n.d. Web. 01 Sept Otis, John. "The FARC and Colombia s Illegal Drug Trade." The FARC and Colombia s Illegal Drug Trade (n.d.): n. pag. Wilson Center. Nov Web. 27 Aug "Reducing the Supply of Illegal Drugs." Office of National Drug Control Policy. National Drug Control Strategy, n.d. Web. 03 Sept "Thirty Years of America's Drug War." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 02 Sept "Timeline of Events in the History of Drugs." INPUDs International Diaries. The Twenty Ten Theme, 16 May Web. 29 Aug "United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime." Resolutions and Decisions. UNODC, Web. 20 Aug United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2015 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.15.XI.6). Research Report Page 9 of 10

10 Veillette, Connie, and Carolina Navarrete-Frías. Drug Crop Eradication and Alternative Development in the Andes. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, U.S. Department of State. 18 Nov Web. 28 Aug Research Report Page 10 of 10