Illicit Drugs: A spotlight on lesser-known "Drug Nations"

When nations that are greatly affected by the drug trade are discussed, often only the well-known nations are highlighted.  It's important to remember that there are other nations that are also adversely affected, as these nations are not currently receiving the same assistance from other nations in combating drug-related violence.  It is also important to recognize that drug-trafficking can be both the trafficking of illicit drugs and illegally-produced drugs.

Central America
When the drug trade in Central America is discussed in the West, it typically focuses on Mexico and Colombia, as these nations have had the most impact on Western nations.  However, other nations in Central America currently have some of the highest per capita murder rates in the world  as a result of the drug trade.  In this recent article by the Economist, the movement of many Mexican and Colombian cartels into Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela and Jamaica is exposed as a cause of the increasing violence and political instability in the region.

There is also an interactive map available that shows the routes commonly used for the trafficking of various drugs in Mexico & Central America.

Asia
The growth and distribution of opium poppies is a well-known element of the drug trade in Asia.  Recently, China has also become known for the counterfeit pharmaceuticals it produces.  Many of us have received the spam e-mails that advertise drug products, such as Viagra, that can be obtained without a prescription.  Most of these drugs have been illegally produced in China, and are often either useless or harmful because they do not meet Western standards for the type of binding agents and coatings used.  In addition, there is usually minimal amounts of the active ingredient, if it is present at all.  While there are some harms to those who use counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the Western world, they pale in comparison to the harms to individuals in the developing world.  It is estimated that more than 100,000 people die a year because the drugs they received to treat life-threatening illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis and even HIV are counterfeit and utterly ineffectual.