About This Project

For decades, Colombian cartels have been the world's top producers and exporters of cocaine.

Howver, my investigation pivots towards an emerging and perhaps unexpected phenomenon: the rise of synthetic drugs in the region, with a spotlight on Tusi, often termed "pink cocaine".

My goals are multifaceted: to uncover the driving forces behind this shift, to map the supply and distribution networks of these synthetics, and to determine the new money laundering strategies.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The supply chain and logistical challenges are fundamental aspects of drug trafficking organizations. Historically, law enforcement efforts primarily targeted disrupting the cultivation of drug crops, making production more difficult and costly, albeit with inconsistent results.

Synthetic drugs present a distinct scenario. Unlike traditional drugs reliant on crops vulnerable to climate and law enforcement, synthetic drugs are chemically manufactured.

Their supply chain involves sourcing precursor chemicals, manufacturing, and distribution, offering organized crime groups new opportunities and law enforcement new challenges.

What is the significance of this project?

The last decade has seen an unprecedented surge in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs, marking a pivotal shift in the global drug trade.

Among these, fentanyl stands out not only due to its potency but also because of its widespread presence across continents. Its rise underscores a pressing need to understand and address the broader implications of synthetic drug proliferation.

Synthetic drugs, unlike traditional narcotics sourced from plants like coca or opium poppies, are chemically produced. This means their production can be more easily scaled, concealed, and modified. The production process doesn't rely on crop cultivation, making it less susceptible to environmental factors and eradication efforts.

What are the goals of the project?

I'll explore Colombia's synthetic drug trade, examining its dynamics and key players, and comparing them with the established cocaine market. This study involves understanding sales, supply chains, and geographical spread. I'll also evaluate the digital realm's influence, including internet, cryptocurrencies, and their roles in this domain.

Critical to my research are crime script analysis, which dissects the process of committing a crime, and social network analysis, identifying the hierarchy and connections within criminal networks.

I will use OSINT, web scraping, and public blockchain analysis, alongside social media and police reports. I'll also integrate insights from law enforcement and inmate interviews as well as data directly provided by local police.