Peruvian coca farmers to Paris pushers, coronavirus upends global narcotics trade

The disruptions are likely to be short-lived, cartels have proven adept at surmounting any obstacles
Reuters (UK)
Wednesday, April 22, 2020

cocaine seizureThe coronavirus outbreak has upended industries across the globe. The international narcotics trade has not been spared. From the cartel badlands along the U.S.-Mexico border and verdant coca fields of the Andes, to street dealers in London and Paris, traffickers are grappling with many of the same woes as legitimate businesses. On three continents, Reuters spoke with more than two dozen law enforcement officials, narcotics experts, diplomats and people involved in the illicit trade. They described a business experiencing busted supply chains, delivery delays, disgruntled workers and millions of customers on lockdown. They also gave a window into the innovation - and opportunism - that are hallmarks of the underworld.