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Latin American organized crime expansion

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2026-10-14 21:01 UTC → 2026-10-22 06:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Latin American nations and European authorities are responding to the transnational activities of organized crime networks. In September 2026, governments in Latin America and Europe began treating borders as critical national security assets to combat drug trafficking and human smuggling. Specifically, the Dominican Republic implemented a strategy to manage its border with Haiti using military presence, migration controls, and electronic surveillance. Authorities reported an approximately 85% decrease in illicit activities in intervened areas, with over 265,000 irregular migrants deported to Haiti between January and August 2026. By October 2026, investigations revealed that Latin American criminal organizations, including Mexican cartels and Colombian and Brazilian factions, have significantly expanded their operations into Europe. These groups have established a presence in at least 12 to 16 European countries, forming alliances with local mafias. This expansion includes specialized activities such as Mexican-led methamphetamine laboratories in France, Poland, and Germany, coinciding with a massive increase in cocaine seizures within the European Union. Recent investigations highlight that these networks are increasingly connecting South American producers directly to European markets through partnerships with organized crime groups in the Balkans. In Belgium, the Bressers-Carvalho trial in Brussels underscored this cooperation, involving 31 defendants and requiring heavy security to prevent retaliation. Experts note that geographic vulnerabilities in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina make them suitable routes for narcotics transport, though local law enforcement often focuses on small-scale seizures rather than dismantling the broader international networks.

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