Get access to international sources and stay informed on breaking news by subscribing through my link https://ground.news/searchparty to get 40% off unlimited access to every feature with the Vantage Subscription. “Cocaine is the criminal steroid” Ecuador was known for decades as Latin America’s ‘island of peace’. It didn’t have the violent drug cartels that sow chaos in Mexico and Colombia or the high murder rates of Brazil and Venezuela. That is until a series of events completely overhauled the drug trade and Ecuador found itself with the world’s most valuable trafficking route. Just a few years later, Ecuador has the highest murder-rate in South America and criminal gangs are threatening to overrun the country. This video explains why Ecuador has become so violent, and reveals what Europe has to do with it. View our sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JAljciBcCoMtz3ObbJBR9MCUYmEB2tPilOCJ1L9uq2E/edit?usp=sharing Correction: 7:27 Romania and Bulgaria are mislabeled on the map shown, and should be swapped. Welcome to Search Party! Search Party is a new, independent, video news show that combines experienced journalism and visual design to decode the most complex stories in international sports and geopolitics. Subscribe and turn on notifications 🔔 so you don't miss any videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7KbIaEOuY7H2j-cvhJ3mYA Become a Search Party Original member today: null About: Search Party is led and produced by Sam Ellis, a journalist, director, editor, and animator based in New York City. For more than 6 years, Ellis produced the hugely popular video series, Vox Atlas, for which he earned an Emmy nomination. He specializes in breaking down the most complex new stories and presenting them with a refreshing, accessible, and engaging visual style. He’s produced explainers on some of the world’s thorniest geopolitical stories; from corruption scandals in Latin America, conflict in the Middle East, and the rise of China, to the world of sports; the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIFA corruption scandal, and the 100-foot waves of Nazaré, Portugal. Ellis has also directed multiple episodes of TV; notably on Netflix’s ‘Explained’ and HBO Sport’s ‘Level Playing Field’. Got story ideas or tips? Reach out to the team at: Twitter: https://twitter.com/swellis_ Email: sam@searchparty.ch