Drug Trafficking Strategic Behavior, 1998-2008

Abstract

Drug trafficking has turned into the main desestabilization factor in Colombia as it has become the main financial source of terrorist groups. Also, drug trafficking has increased crime-related issues and social decomposition (loss of values, corruption, etc). Such a fact is a historical challenge for the National Police as they have led the fight against terrorism, a changing and dynamic crime. Currently, the National Police has a more sophisticated approach against terrorism and its related affairs, a strategy that has awarded worldwide recognition as the most experienced entity against drug trafficking given their performance and outcomes in the last four decades.

Colombian military forces´ fight against such an issue, mainly by the National Police, has originated crucial changes in the behavior of drug trafficking lords. Emphasis must be placed on the disarticulation of narcotrafficking cartels; the direct relation to illegal armed groups (FARC, ELN, BACRIM) encompassing all the phases of the narco industry; the migration of traffickers to other countries thanks to Colombia’s police continued persecution; and many narcotraffick lords surrendering to US authorities to avoid the Colombian authorities’ actions and be granted legal benefits in that country.