US Southern Command, Manuel Noriega and Drug Trafficking - Kerry Committee II Day 1-14 (1988)

February 8, 1988 Between 1993 and 1999 Colombia became the main producer of coca in the world along with cocaine, and one of the major exporters of heroin. he effects of cocaine production range from environmental damage to effects on education, health and the country's economy. The environment is damaged through deforestation caused by clearing fields for cultivation. Soil erosion and chemical pollution also have effects on Colombia. The issues are difficult to address because of the wealth and power of drug traffickers. Many plantations provide prostitutes to sustain their employees. Sexually transmitted diseases are spread at a rapid pace and contribute to the workers inability to heal from the flesh wounds and their incapability of survival outside of this environment. The few positive outcomes from the manufacturing of cocaine include temporarily providing a job for a family struggling financially and raising Colombia's GDP and standard of living. The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), located in Miami, Florida, is one of ten Unified Combatant Commands (COCOMs) in the United States Department of Defense. It is responsible for providing contingency planning, and operations in Central and South America, the Caribbean (except US commonwealths, territories, and possessions), Cuba, the Bahamas, their territorial waters, and for the force of US military resources at these locations. USSOUTHCOM is also responsible for ensuring the militarization of the Panama ...

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