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The UN warns of “narcoforestation” in the Amazon and parts of Mexico and Central America

The increase in the area dedicated to coca cultivation, the pollution caused by the production of cocaine and illegal or illegal logging operations illegal mining which the drug mafias have embarked on are threatening the ecosystem of Amazonin a phenomenon that UN called “narcoforestation”.

“Organizations dedicated to drug trafficking continue to expand its operations, which now cover the illegal miningillegal logging and trafficking in wild fauna and flora”points the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in its 2023 drug report.

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The structure of this organism UN denounces that the link between drug trafficking, environmental crimes and crimes such as extortion, fraud, forced labor or homicides generate a phenomenon of “narcoforestation” that threatens the jungle and its inhabitants, especially indigenous peoples.

O INCB denounces that they are victims of forced displacement, mercury poisoning and greater exposure to violence.

In your report it is mentioned, for example, that in EcuadorThe deterioration of the environment and the degradation of natural resources due to coca cultivation and cocaine production threaten certain livelihoods on the northern border with Colombiasuch as collecting shellfish and crab fishing.

This situation could lead vulnerable populations in the region to participate in the illicit economy, for example through smuggling cocaine or subsidized gasoline (used to manufacture cocaine) to cocaine traffickers in the department of Nariño (Colombia)”, points out the INCB.

In the Andes, the expansion of illicit coca cultivation has caused significant deforestation, soil degradation and loss of flora and fauna diversity.

Likewise, on the triple border between Brazil, Colombia and Peru, intense activity illegal deforestationdriven by the illegal timber trade and drug trafficking.

In Central America or Mexico, cultivation or traffic drugs They also converge with illegal logging or the trade in wild fauna or flora.

In fact, the INCB indicates that there are studies that suggest that drug trafficking in Central America can promote deforestation through illegal capital practices and control of land ownership that generate even greater environmental damage than the direct activity of trafficking networks. drug trafficking.

Source: Elcomercio

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