Cocaine Flights into Honduras Up 200%

The number of small aircraft carrying cocaine into Honduras from South America, primarily Venezuela, increased by 200 percent in 2009. The so-called narcoavionetas brought in 49,000 kilograms (108,027 pounds) of the illegal white powder, landing on remote airstrips and roads in the La Mosquitia region, the Bay Islands, and the north coast of the country. Police authorities identified 49 narcoavionetas last year, compared to 16 in 2008, but acknowledge that there were more aircraft that went undetected. The pace of flights has picked up in 2010, with six landings identified thus far. An additional six aircraft are believed to have gone undetected. According to an annual report by the Public Ministry, 55 kgs of cocaine from narcoavionetas were seized in 2005; 2,714 kgs in 2006; 1,704 kgs in 2007; and 6,764 kgs in 2008. The dramatic growth in shipments during 2006-2009 has led to concerns that Honduras is on the verge of becoming a "narco-state". This trend is believed to be behind the rise in organized crime and gang violence in the country. (photo courtesy Reuters)