the vast majority of which 70 percent is exported to the United States market. In 1999, the
country refined approximately 520 metric tons of cocaine, representing roughly 80 percent of
global production. Narcotics typically are produced in a three stage process. Coca leaves are
first crushed and boiled with limewater and kerosene making coca paste. Coca paste
is then mixed with sulphuric acid, potassium acid, potassium permanganate (sulphur dioxide can
also be used), and ammonia hydroxide, filtered, and dried into a cocaine base. The amalgam is
dissolved in acetone forming white cocaine hydroxide, which is run through a strainer, …show more content…
Producing money is the group’s sole raison, and typically devoid of subculture traditions distinguishing the Sicilian Mafia and Outlaw motorcycle clubs. Drug trafficking within Columbia is done with much disregard to the law. Drug traffickers do not have a belief of legitimacy of the Columbian political and economic institutions. “Breaking the law is justified, and not just for the usual economic reasons that criminals favor (Villarreal 2002). Imperialism, along with any other international competitive economic interest is seen to be done for the economic survival of the country and not immoral. Therefore, drug trafficking is not seen as immoral or criminal in Columbia, and is actually supported for economic reasons. By 1973, independent foreign nationals could no longer “deal drugs” in Columbia. In 1976, the Colombians became dissatisfied with their Cuban agents in the United States making more profits and shortchanging the Columbians. Columbian traffickers were forced out of Columbia and into the United States. Miami for example became a great relocation spot being that it was easily accessible to import and export from Columbia due to its geographical