Uruguay: Narcos, Corruption & A Paradise Lost?

Not so long ago, Uruguay was considered a haven of peace in South America. But in recent years, this small country has been overwhelmed by drug trafficking, insecurity, and rising violence. In an attempt to curb this illegal trade and prevent Uruguay from descending into chaos, investigators, assisted by special intervention forces, hunt down the traffickers. We speak to traffickers and addicts, policemen and politicians, victims and residents and profile the changing face of Uruguay.

With porous borders and vulnerable ports, drugs circulate freely in Uruguay. The port of Montevideo has become a hub for cocaine trafficking to Europe. But for drug traffickers, the country has another asset that is less visible, more discreet, and perhaps even more valuable.  But for drug traffickers, the country has another asset that is less visible, more discreet, and perhaps even more valuable. During the dictatorship, the military allowed the entry and exit of capital, banking secrecy, and the free movement of precious metals. The official goal was to attract foreign capital. The result: the country became a centre for money laundering.  

For the first time in history, Uruguay has its own drug cartel. Sebastian Marcet is the first Uruguayan to have set up a cartel, the PCU. It currently controls 80% of the drug trafficking from Uruguay to Europe and the United States. In Cerro Norte, two drug gangs have been waging war against each other for several years. On one side are the Suarez, led by Beto Suarez, a former car thief who now commands forty men. On the other are the Colorados, an ultra-violent gang that is gaining more and more territory every day.

The seaside resort of Punta del Este has become the Ibiza of America. The biggest DJs rock the clubs and a golden youth flock there in search of thrills.  Thanks to a new synthetic drug, Tuci, they can dance all night. But behind the scenes, 27-year-old Rodrigo works non-stop for the cartels to make it.