Source link : https://theamericannews.net/america/venezuela/how-fentanyl-laid-waste-to-guatemalas-time-worn-opium-trade-published-2024-the-new-york-times/
How Fentanyl Laid waste to Guatemala’s Time-Worn Opium Trade
In teh shadowy valleys of Guatemala, where opium poppies once flourished amid a rich tapestry of tradition and illicit commerce, a new and deadly force has emerged, reshaping the landscape of drug trafficking in Central America. the rise of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent than heroin, has not only decimated local farmers’ livelihoods but has also sent shockwaves through established drug networks that have thrived for decades. As the synthetic opioid crisis deepens, Guatemala finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of reduced demand for its traditional opiates and the burgeoning threat of transnational crime syndicates. This article explores how fentanyl has disrupted GuatemalaS time-honored opium trade, leaving a trail of economic despair and fueling a complex web of violence and addiction that extends far beyond its borders.
Fentanyl’s Disruption of Guatemala’s opium Landscape
The emergence of fentanyl has precipitated a seismic shift in Guatemala’s opium trade, once thriving in the shadows of lush mountain ranges. Traditional cultivators, who relied on poppy cultivation for generations, now find themselves grappling with an unpredictable market that favors synthetic drugs over natural opiates. Key factors impacting this disruption include:
- Market Demand: The surging popularity of fentanyl, due to…
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Author : Atticus Reed
Publish date : 2025-05-10 13:22:00
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