Smugglers are increasingly using commercial and cargo flights to transport illicit drugs, arms, and gold, according to a new analysis by InSight Crime.
Alerts for crime and corruption in Latin American airports surged by 147% between 2021 and 2023, as reported by risk intelligence firm Osprey Flight Solutions (OFS). These alerts, based on continuous real-time monitoring of aviation security events, highlight Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia as the primary countries involved.
OFS data shows that smugglers employ various tactics to traffic illicit goods via air routes. Methods include hiding goods in legal shipments, setting up legitimate export companies to conceal illegal shipments, and corrupting airport authorities to facilitate drug trafficking. The increase in alerts likely correlates with the resurgence of international flights after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
