Syndicate content
Laurence CUVILLIER

Tijuana's 'Narco Tunnels': a lucrative game of hide and seek
07/03/2012 - MEXICO - USA

Tijuana's 'Narco Tunnels': a lucrative game of hide and seek

Mexican drug traffickers are increasingly relying on tunnels dug under the US border to smuggle their illegal merchandise into the country. Our Mexico correspondents Laurence Cuvillier and Matthieu Comin report from the city of Tijuana, where several of these tunnels have been busted by the authorities.
Caldéron's crusade against drug cartels
27/12/2011 - MEXICO

Caldéron's crusade against drug cartels

Five years ago, Mexican President Felipe Caldéron launched a "crusade against the drug cartels" in a bid to reduce the consumption and trafficking of drugs. Despite these efforts there have been new outbreaks of violence in regions previously protected. One example is Acapulco whose crime rate has increased 350% in just one year. Three months ago, the Mexican government multiplied its efforts to protect its inhabitants, particularly in schools. Laurence Cuviller et Matthieu Comin report.
Is social media a friend or a foe of the drug war?
02/11/2011 - MEXICO

Is social media a friend or a foe of the drug war?

The internet has become a battleground in Mexico's deadly drug war. In violent cities, microblogging site Twitter has played a role in public safety - people use it to know which places to avoid. Social media report on matters traditional outlets are scared to cover and hacker group Anonymous is using the web to put pressure on the notorious Zeta cartel. But social media is both a tool for self-defence and a source of danger.
The safe haven of Monterrey turns deadly
23/09/2011 - MEXICO

The safe haven of Monterrey turns deadly

Until recently, the city of Monterrey in northern Mexico was a safe and prosperous haven from the drugs war raging around it. But that all changed with the attack on its casino in August. At least 52 people were killed when armed men set fire to the building. President Calderon called it "terrorism", and this has started a debate about whether the drugs-related violence paralysing the country can indeed be termed "terror".
Awaiting change at the polls?
09/09/2011 - GUATEMALA

Awaiting change at the polls?

Guatemalans head to the polls this Sunday to choose a new president. The current frontrunner is a former general, Otto Pérez Molin, who has based his campaign mainly on security issues. Meanwhile, Rigoberta Menchu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize back in 1992, is the contest's only left-wing candidate. A Mayan by birth, she's staying to true to her priorities, fighting against the exclusion of indigenous people.
(1) comment
El Salvador, Gangland hell
07/06/2011 - REPORTERS

El Salvador, Gangland hell

Extortion, murder, drug trafficking… In El Salvador, gangs are terrorising locals and defying the authorities. They have thousands of members and are extremely well organised. The leaders run extortion networks even after they’ve been arrested, from within their jail cells. They have amassed fortunes, becoming rich and powerful enough to spread corruption at the highest levels.
Drug cartel infighting forces Mexicans to flee from their homes
07/06/2011 - MEXICO

Drug cartel infighting forces Mexicans to flee from their homes

West of Mexico City, a violent clash erupted between two rival gangs of drug traffickers. According to preliminary information, the confrontation took place between two factions of the same cartel, La Familia. Shootings took place in several villages, forcing between 800 and 1300 people to take refuge in the nearby town of Apatzingan.
(1) comment
Costa Rica: paradise under threat?
19/04/2011 - REPORTERS

Costa Rica: paradise under threat?

Costa Rica, Latin America’s third-richest country, disbanded its army over 60 years ago, a matter of much pride to its people. But now it’s feeling vulnerable, due to border tensions with Nicaragua and drug convoys en route to Mexico. Costa Rica needs defence, and the poorly equipped police can no longer guarantee the country’s security.
(8) comments
From juvenile delinquents to hardened criminals: how El Salvador's Maras have grown up
22/02/2011 - EL SALVADOR

From juvenile delinquents to hardened criminals: how El Salvador's Maras have grown up

We saw them close up in La Vida Loca, the documentary made by Christian Poveda, who was later murdered by the very subjects of his film. Killings are common along the rival gang members, who live in the poorest parts of El Savador. But the Maras are growing up. What were once petty criminals are becoming ringleaders of organised crime, with millions of dollars stashed away - leading to fears that they could soon ally themselves with powerful drug cartels in nearby Mexico.
(1) comment
Haiti: waiting for reconstruction
26/11/2010 - REPORTERS

Haiti: waiting for reconstruction

After being devastated by a massive earthquake ten months ago, then hit by a hurricane, Haiti is now struck with cholera. But despite this, presidential and parliamentary elections are still going ahead on November 28th. France's 24 Laurence Cuvillier went to Haiti ahead of these crucial polls.
(1) comment
Close