![A 1940 front page of El Universal reports shortages of morphine and other drugs due to war in Europe.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AQ0324_LV2-300x183.jpg)
When Mexico Tried a Different Approach to Drugs—and Washington Said No
In 1940, a major reform envisioned treating drug addiction with regulated dispensaries, until the U.S. helped put a stop to it.
![](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1920697362-300x200.jpg)
The Toxic Politics Around Drugs in Latin America
Neither legalization, nor a Bukele-style crackdown, look like politically viable alternatives to the war on drugs in most countries.
![A Honduran police operation incinerates cocaine and hashish outside Tegucigalpa, in June.](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258642638-300x200.jpg)
Quiet Quitting the War on Drugs
Several Latin American governments seem to be backing off anti-drug efforts, though some avoid explicitly saying so.
![Cracolandia_Eviction](https://www.americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Cracolandia_Eviction-300x199.jpg)
Why João Doria’s War on Drugs Is Doomed
When São Paulo Mayor João Doria set out to fulfil a campaign promise and rid the city of its cracolândia (crackland), an area that was home to a group of homeless people, some of whom used drugs, he did so with an overwhelming and telegenic show of force: 500 police officers armed with guns, tear gas … Read more