Colombian Drug Trafficking By Shaun Millerick

General Information Formerly known as the Republic of Colombia, the country is located in Northwestern South America bordering Venezuela, Brazil, and the Pacific Ocean. Colombia became its own country in 1819 after winning independence from Spain. Population is 45,393,050, 29 th largest in the world.

General Info Cont. Longest standing political parties-Liberal and Conservative Parties. Ethnic Groups in Columbia -57% Mestizo -21% Black -20% White -1% Amerindian

The Issue Production and selling of illegal drugs in the country. Illegal drugs being used. -Coca (powerful stimulant contains cocaine. -Marijuana -Other psychoactive drugs These drugs are being shipped to foreign countries including the US, and sold there for big bucs. Colombia is the worlds largest drug producing countries, and produces 90% of the worlds cocaine.

Drug Cartels Large, ruthless criminal groups that organize drug trafficking, and commit serious crimes including kidnapping and murder to anyone who gets in their way. Not only do these groups deal with government organizations, but they are also competing against rival groups in the country. Major Drug Cartels -Medellin Cartel -Cali Cartel -Norte del Valle Cartel -North Coast Cartel

Reduction of Production The production and consumption of cocaine and opiaties were prohibited to be produced in 1914, with the Harrison Narcotics Act. (based on same US act) Marijuana, tobacco and alcohol were later prohibited in 1937 by the Colombian government.

War on Drugs In 1971 US and other countries enforced military support in Colombia to reduce the production and trafficking of illegal drugs. United States President, Richard Nixon coined the phrase, “War on Drugs. This campaign still exists today and continue to battle drug cartels.

Why should We Care? Reducing the amount of drugs being produced and sold in Columbia will in turn reduce the amount of illegal drugs that get shipped to the United States and sold here. Keeping these drugs out of our country should be very important, and should not have a place here!