At the 13^th edition of the National Journalism Awards in Mexico, a special investigative report about drug trafficking in the Latin American nations of Costa Rica, Colombia, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela was given special recognition.

The special report was published on the Sunday pages of the esteemed Mexican newspaper El Universal, and it received accolades for the accuracy of its sources, the depth of its investigation, its colorful narrative, and the expert writing that explained the intricate web of how drug production, smuggling and dealing develops before it reaches Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Journalists Alejandra Sánchez Inzunza, José Luis Pardo y Pablo Ferri took a bow in the sumptuous National Art Museum of Mexico City, but at the same time they expressed indignation and exasperation at the ongoing investigation over the disappearance of 43 students in Ayotzinapa, Guerrero. The case of the missing students has been linked to violence originated by feuds between Mexican drug cartels and their interaction with the community and law enforcement.

Journalist Alejandra Sanchez warned that drug trafficking in the Americas is turning the extraordinary into the new normal, which is a dangerous proposition for all residents. She added that the United States War on Drugs has nothing but incite greater violence and spread militarization. Miss Sanchez explained that drug trafficking is a problem that is being handled without regard for human rights.

The award-winning report placed Colombia as a cocaine-producing hub, Venezuela as a gateway to the Caribbean and Europe, Panama and Nicaragua as waypoints in the route towards Mexico and the United States, and Costa Rica as an efficient bridge where sophisticated dealings and high-level money laundering (often involving North American citizens) takes place.

The report also mentioned that Costa Rica is preferred by smugglers and cartel bagmen because the levels of violence in our country are still minimal in comparison to those in Nicaragua and Panama, where they often go unreported. Mexican drug cartel operatives are often instructed by their leaders to not incite violence or disturb the peace so that they are able to continue their drug trafficking in Costa Rica,