This chapter discusses the concerns in Ecuador about becoming a narco state and explores the historical involvement of the Colombian group FARC in the drug trade. It also delves into the journey of cocaine from Colombia and Peru to Europe, highlighting the increasing supply and demand in Europe compared to the United States.
Growing cocaine demand and booming coca leaf cultivation is fueling unrest in Ecuador. The Economist’s Ana Lankes and Will Freeman of the Council on Foreign Relations explain what’s happening in the place that until recently was Latin America’s safest country.
This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Isabel Angell, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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