cocaine trade

The cocaine trade involves the production, transportation, and distribution of cocaine, a powerful illegal drug derived from coca leaves primarily grown in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Criminal organizations cultivate coca plants, process the leaves into powdered cocaine, and then smuggle it across borders to markets worldwide. The trade fuels violence, corruption, and social issues, as networks compete for control. It also has severe health impacts on users. Authorities worldwide work to combat the trade through law enforcement, interdiction, and international cooperation, but it remains a complex and persistent issue tied to global drug demand.