This week, InSight Crime explores widespread panic around Latin America and the Caribbean about fentanyl. Most fentanyl found in the region has been diverted from medical sources instead of illicitly produced for consumption. The differences between the two are key, and while countries should take precautions against the drug, nowhere yet faces a problem of the same magnitude as the United States.
In Venezuela, we detail the short-term and long-term solutions that could mitigate the country’s extortion problem. Extortion carried out by criminal groups and security forces feeds general insecurity concerns among the population, making it a significant driver of emigration.
We also cover the Ecuadorian election, where new President-elect Daniel Noboa’s ambitious plans to reverse Ecuador’s violent security downturn will be challenged by a shortened term and stiff political opposition.
