Central America drug gang violence at 'alarming levels'

Central America is home to some 900 street gangs with 70,000 members. When combined with the widespread availability of firearms, a certain deathtrap concocts for criminal mischief including illegal drug usage and trafficking. El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Jamaica, all of which are countries in Central America, now have the world's highest murder rates, probably due to gang feuds over the narcotic market. In fact, the International Narcotic Control Board reported that drug-related violence in Central America involving several criminal groups "has reached alarming and unprecedented levels". Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua have become major transit countries for drug traffickers with the US, Canada and Mexico as the greatest consumers. All three countries continue to have "high levels of illicit drug production, manufacture, trade and consumption". The board also suggests that illegal internet pharmacies are using social media to target consumers, and that they are apparently targeting a younger audience.

I'm not particularly amazed that Central America is in pretty shabby condition with gangs, violence and drugs running rampant in day-to-day life, due to it's corrupt history; but it's still not pretty. However, it surprises me somewhat that the US is involved with it the drugs, gangs, and violence as seriously as it is. Hmmmm...

Drug-related violence is at "alarming" levels in Central America and poses a threat to the region's security, the UN drugs watchdog says.

BBC News - Central America drug gang violence at 'alarming levels'. (2012, February 28). BBC - Homepage. Retrieved February 28, 2012, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17188848