Colombia: September 15, 2004

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In the last year, over 2,000 people were kidnapped in Colombia. This included 22 foreigners. Nearly all of these people were taken to be ransomed. While kidnappings are down, it is thought that the rebel groups that rely on kidnapping (especially FARC), will work hard to keep their kidnapping operations going. This is because it is getting harder to make money in the drug business. Competition and increased government operations against drug crops and infrastructure are hurting profits. Organizations like FARC have a huge payroll to meet (over $10 million a month), and are in constant need of cash. FARC leaders have been putting more of their drug profits into legitimate businesses, trying to create legal sources of income with which to pay their gunmen.

 

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