What role does Latin America play in the drug problem?
Latin America is a crucial geographic zone for drug production and trafficking. The Andean countries of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia are the world’s main cocaine producers, while Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean have become the principal corridors for transporting drugs into the United States and Europe.
Are all drugs legal in Brazil?
Under Brazilian law, possessing drugs for personal use is a crime that does not carry a penalty of imprisonment. Those convicted of the charges can be subject to the following penalties: a warning, community service, or attending an educational course.
What South American country decriminalized drugs?
Uruguay
For over 40 years, an interesting social experiment has been going on in the tiny South American country of Uruguay. In 1974, the government made it legal to possess drugs. Not just any drug.
Are all drugs legal in Uruguay?
History. Uruguay has never criminalized personal possession of drugs, and a 1974 law allowed judges to determine whether a given case of possession was personal or commercial. This law was later updated in 1998.
When did drug trafficking in Latin America start?
In broad terms, the development of the Latin American drugs industry can be broken into four periods. From the late nineteenth century to 1945, Mexico controlled the illegal trade in opium and marijuana, and Peru dominated the mostly legal trade in cocaine products.
Why did Latin Americans come America?
Recent immigration During the 20th century many Latin American immigrants came to United States fleeing the poverty, violence, and military dictatorships of Latin America. Most Latinos who immigrate to the United States are Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans and Salvadorans.
Is drugs legal in Colombia?
Drug use is prohibited by the constitution, and there are laws banning it in certain specific circumstances, but it is not a criminal offence. Possession of the quantity of a drug permitted for personal use is not a crime.
What country legalize all drugs?
Portugal. In 2001, Portugal became the first European country to abolish all criminal penalties for personal drug possession, under Law 30/2000. In addition, drug users were to be provided with therapy rather than prison sentences.
Why do we need to legalize drugs?
Drug legalization would benefit the United States in several ways: save Federal, State, and local governments billions of dollars a year; lead to reduced crime and safer neighborhoods; and enhance public health.
Who’s the biggest drug lord ever?
Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Guzman is the most notorious drug lord of all time, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In the 1980s he was a member of the Guadalajara Cartel and used to work for Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo.