Community leaders in Colombia’s Putumayo department have historically supported coca substitution programs as part of peace processes aimed at resolving the country’s long-running civil conflict. But they put their lives at risk by betting on change and seeking new opportunities for the department, where the guerrillas and other armed groups earn huge profits from drug trafficking.
InSight Crime went to Putumayo and documented the stories of leaders and farmers who supported peace and now face an uncertain future.
In a story of hope, fear, and despair, we chronicle the experiences of two local leaders, one of whom was murdered for his commitment to the crop substitution programs at the center of this investigation.
WATCH THE VIDEO
We invite you to explore our reporting on the challenges Putumayo’s community leaders continue to face, now available on our website.
We want to continue exposing
criminals in Latin America
An investigation such as this one requires time and resources. We want
to continue contributing to the debate on organized crime across the continent
and for our content to remain free for the general public to access. For this,
we need your support.
