On June 8, the National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies (ANEPE) and the Perry Center jointly addressed the complex phenomenon of organized crime discussing the primary drivers for illicit activity and its financing from both a regional and national perspective.

WJPC Professor Celina Realuyo described the evolution of transnational organized crime and the globalization of criminal networks and supply chains in the age of COVID-19. She mentioned the contributing challenges in Latin America such as weak institutions, inequality, corruption, natural disasters, external actors, illicit networks and citizen insecurity. Professor Realuyo also presented on the convergence of illicit networks and their relationship with the globalization of drug trafficking, human trafficking and the irregular global migration that contribute to the high rates of violence and poverty in Latin America. The impact of COVID-19 on public health and safety as well as transnational criminal groups was also addressed. Professor Realuyo concluded by highlighting the continued need for interagency and international cooperation in order to combat transnational organized crime in the new world order in the Americas.

Commissioner Patricio Navarro Poblete, head of the Controlled Chemical Substances Investigation Department (DISUQ), National Anti-Narcotics and Against Organized Crime Headquarters, Chilean Investigative Police (PDI), provided an overview of the different departments and their functions within the General Directorate of said entity. Commissioner Navarro followed with a detailed explanation of the main manifestations of organized crime, commenting that “organized crime is not the same for all countries” and included trends and turning points, as well as the relationship with illicit associations. He added that Chile is a strategic entry and exit point for drugs to other continents. Navarro included an analysis of the complicated process of the main drug distribution and seizure networks, including maritime trafficking and links with Colombia, Mexico and other nations, concluding his remarks with a synopsis of pending legislation in Chile.