International drug trafficking from Latin American states is having an impact on a global scale. Drug trafficking, together with corruption and murders, is an international conflict that is fought on a daily basis. There are many aspects of the drug war by Mexico and other Latin American states that impact U.S. policy as well as the policies of other countries participating in the global crackdown on illegal drugs. It can be difficult to distinguish between conflict and problem when it comes to the war on drugs and international relations in Latin America. The Mexican Drug War is a global issue because it interferes with the ability of states to collaborate and form policies to address issues across international borders. Conflict arises because some states want to resolve the situation and are willing to do what is necessary to do so. While drug-related violence receives considerable attention in Mexico, in the Northern Triangle of Latin America the situation is much worse. Venezuela has emerged as a major gateway for cocaine trafficking to Europe. Between 2006 and 2008, more than half of all detected maritime shipments of cocaine to Europe came from Venezuela. (Crime 2010) These ports in Latin America have also impacted cities in the Bahamas, with drug cartels exporting their drugs more quickly to surrounding countries; they use Caribbean ports to refuel on their way to America. The waters of the Caribbean islands are patrolled by the navies of the United States, France, Canada and the Netherlands. (Barnes 2010) However, water patrolling has not had a significant impact on the delivery of drugs to other countries. As the international drug trade continues to spread and grow, the Mexican dru... middle of paper... ....it is the right of their states to produce these illegal substances if they wish. Supply and demand also shows that as long as people are willing to consume illegal drugs, states and people will continue to produce them. The United Nations, an international organization, has established an office called the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, this office is authorized to undertake field projects, research and analytical work and regulatory work in the effort to counter illegal drugs, crime and terrorism. This office reports directly to the General Assembly and is part of a larger intergovernmental organization. (UN Crime 1997) With this office and the principles of reciprocity, a response to the actions of others when states help each other in times of trouble or need, governments around the world are joining their efforts to stop trafficking of illegal drugs.