Eremin A.A., Nikolashvili N.D., Magomedova A.D., Popova D.R., Andriyakhin A.A. —
The main cocaine trafficking routes from Colombia to United States: network analysis (2010-2018)
// Conflict Studies / nota bene. – 2019. – ¹ 4.
– P. 14 - 29.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2019.4.31654
URL: https://en.e-notabene.ru/cfmag/article_31654.html
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Abstract: This article is dedicated to the analysis of drug trafficking in the Western hemisphere. The subject of this research is the main routs of cocaine trafficking from Colombia to United States and the role of various transit points on the way based on the 2010-2018 data. The authors examine the key components of the problem of illegal cocaine trafficking in the region and the routes of its transportation across dry land, sea, and air from the top producer of this narcotic into the top consumer of this substance. Network analysis allows displaying the current system of relations in form of a network, highlighting the most influential figures therein, evaluate their connection and test model through mathematical analysis. The authors’ contribution into the research of this topic consists in its examination through the prism of network analysis and assessment of the role of each actor using the network toolset. The research results provide comparison of three main routes between Colombia and United States: through Pacific Ocean, through Central America, and through Caribbean Basin. It is determined that the shortest and most efficient, while at the same time more vulnerable, are the sea routes. The routes through Central America are longer and more complicated, but excluding transit points such as Panama, Costa Rica or Mexico, will allow to deliver substantial blow to the illegal cocaine trafficking in the Western hemisphere.