Behind loom vast warehouses and dozens of port cranes, while on the street, shop owners unload merchandise from shipping containers.
Established in 1948, the world's second-largest free-trade zone was envisioned as a wholesale redistribution centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, but it has become a global hub of counterfeiting, contraband and cocaine. In November, Europol arrested 49 members of a super-cartel centred on Dubai and accounting for a third of Europe's cocaine supply.
One of those arrested was Anthony Martínez Meza, son of a director of the Colón Free Trade Zone, and suspected of organising shipments from Colón.
Esta historia es de la edición February 03, 2023 de The Guardian Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 03, 2023 de The Guardian Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The Drugs Trade How Big Is The Problem-And Who Is Paying The Price?
Over the past 10 years, Europe has developed a serious cocaine problem. The drug, originating in the jungles of South America, is being transported, sold and consumed across the European continent in record amounts.
Calamitous floods made more likely by global heating
The unusually prolonged and extensive flooding that has devastated southern Brazil was made at least twice as likely by human burning of fossil fuels and trees, a study has shown.
Paddington is back-and he's gone immersive
The bear from darkest Peru has donned his wellies and duffle coat for a live experience’ that is halftheatre, half-party, with lashings of marmalade
Elections are a travesty of democracy-give the people a real voice George Monbiot
Everything hangs on them but little changes. For weeks or months, elections dominate national life.
Keeping the peace
Military service for 18-year-olds is a key Tory election pledge in the UK.But in countries with conscription, opting out comes at a cost. Michael Segalov asks seven conscientious objectors why they refused to serve in the armed forces
How steroids got huge
Once upon atime, it was only hardcore bodybuilders who pumped themselves up with testosterone. Today it is no longer niche. But how dangerous is it?
Tijuana border feels weight of Biden's order on closure
Every year, waves of people from around the world make their way to southern California to start a new life and find safe harbour.
Catania turns the tables on invasive blue crabs
In a suburb of Catania on Sicily's east coast, smoke billows from street stands selling grilled horse meat, and youngsters gather around kiosks selling the region's unique handmade drink, seltz limone esale (seltzer with lemon and sea salt).
Friends reunited Football and a troubled continent
Europe is suffering a crisis of identity but for four weeks the Euro 2024 tournament offers a kernel of something pure
Could this be the end of the Tories?
Even before last week, the party's prospects were grim. Nowsome believe it faces a wipeout that would reshape the UK political landscape
