Toronto, Canada

Canada is another popular way by which Colombian drug cartels have attempted (and have greatly succeeded in years past) to smuggle Colombian drugs into the US. Boats will leave Colombian ports bearing the fruits of other labors, such as food and flowers, and head to Canada carrying more than they claim to. The drugs will either be mixed into other products, chemically diluted and meant to be easily extractable later, or packed away in hidden compartments. Cartels have networks set up in Canada who receive the shipment, prepare it for entrance into the US, and send the drugs happily along to the consumers. The Canadian border was one of the most easily facilitated ways to smuggle drugs into the US. One famous Colombian drug dealer, known to be affiliated with the Medellin Cartel, is Bernardo Arcila who settled in Toronto around 1972. He remained in business for several years and managed to escape back to Colombia when Canadian authorities were inches away from arresting him.

Canada is yet another great example of the movement theme in Colombia’s violent drug war. Of course, again, there is the actual movement of the product itself. Here though also exemplifies the movement of people and culture through drug smuggling. Although no violence is specifically mentioned with Arcila, undoubtedly some did happen that was linked to his operation and undoubtedly his presence had an effect on where he ran his operations in Toronto. Once again the problems related to Colombia’s drug war have migrated into other regions as they expand their business.

Picture: Drug smuggling routes