Drug Traffickers, Miners, and Criminals Unite Against Authorities in Amazon Region

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A troubling alliance between Colombian dissidents, Brazilian organized crime, and Peruvian drug traffickers is challenging governments in the Amazonian borderlands of Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. This collaboration has intensified illicit activities, particularly cocaine production and illegal mining, in one of the world's most vital ecological regions.

Indigenous communities residing along the Colombian Amazon River witness the dangers posed by this alliance. Individuals like Víctor, a 47-year-old Indigenous man, recount their experiences scraping coca leaves for Peruvian traffickers under the watchful eyes of armed guards. Despite the high risks, these short-term labor opportunities often lure entire families away from their villages.

The emergence of this dangerous tripartite alliance can be traced back to the period following the 2016 peace agreement in Colombia, which saw the fragmentation of former guerrilla groups and a rise in criminal networks taking control of lucrative drug and mining markets. Colombian dissidents are now firmly entrenched in drug trafficking alongside Brazilian gangs like Comando Vermelho, enhancing their operations and expanding territorial control over the Amazon.

Colombian military intelligence reports reveal two primary Colombian groups—the Carolina Ramírez Front and the Border Commandos—cooperating with drug trafficking networks to exploit this resource-rich region, often corrupting local authorities. The situation is exacerbated by persistent illegal gold mining, which has soared in the wake of a weakened state presence, leading to severe environmental degradation.

Local authorities express frustration in addressing this issue as they lack adequate resources and coordination. Brigadier General Edilberto Cortés has stated that illegal mining operations are effectively a "system" that threatens ecological stability and undermines enforcement efforts. The lucrative returns from these operations fuel further criminal activities and undermine state authority.

The international community, alongside local governments, faces urgent calls to intervene. The degradation of the Amazon not only impacts biodiversity but also contributes to broader climate change challenges. As criminal enterprises grow bolder, the window for effective action is rapidly closing.

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