Colombia’s landmark 2016 peace deal was supposed to end more than fifty years of civil war. Instead, the country has been plunged back into violence, as rival guerrilla groups battle for control of the nation’s coca fields and the lucrative smuggling routes that feed the global drug trade. For civilians caught in the crossfire, the daily reality is one of killings and forced displacement.
Reporter Guillermo Galdos travels deep into the dangerous Catatumbo region to investigate the brutal fight for cocaine production from the front lines. Gaining rare access to Colombia’s special forces, he follows along as they launch high-risk operations against the narco-guerrillas who now rule the territory.
This episode offers a visceral look at what happens when a historic peace process fails. It raises the urgent question of whether Colombia can ever escape the cycle of violence funded by the world’s insatiable demand for cocaine.
Unreported World airs Friday October 31, at 19:30 on Channel 4.
