Drug cartels in Colombia are a significant and complex issue, deeply rooted in the country's history, politics, and socio-economic fabric. Below is an overview of the topic:

1. Historical Context

Colombia's drug trade emerged in the mid-20th century, fueled by the growing global demand for marijuana, and later cocaine.
In the 1970s and 1980s, cocaine became the dominant drug, with Colombia emerging as the world's largest producer. The Medellín and Cali cartels dominated this era.

2. Major Cartels

Here's a summary of the most notable cartels, past and present:

Medellín Cartel

Founder: Pablo Escobar.
Peak Influence: 1980s.
Characteristics: Known for its violent tactics, including assassinations of politicians, judges, and police.
Downfall: Escobar was killed in 1993, leading to the cartel's collapse.

Cali Cartel

Founders: Gilberto and Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela.
Peak Influence: 1990s.
Characteristics: Operated more discreetly compared to the Medellín Cartel, focusing on corruption and bribery rather than violence.
Downfall: Leaders were arrested in the mid-1990s.

North Valley Cartel

Peak Influence: 1990s to early 2000s.
Characteristics: Focused on cocaine trafficking, often working with paramilitary groups.
Downfall: Disbanded after leadership arrests and killings.

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)

While not a cartel, FARC financed its insurgency through cocaine production and trafficking.
Following the 2016 peace deal, some dissident factions still participate in drug trade activities.

Clan del Golfo (Gulf Clan)

Current Influence: The largest drug trafficking organization in Colombia.
Characteristics: Engages in cocaine trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion.
Leadership: Recent operations have targeted key leaders, such as Dairo Antonio Úsuga, a.k.a. "Otoniel," who was captured in 2021.

3. Cocaine Production

Global Share: Colombia remains the world's largest producer of cocaine, accounting for over 60% of global production.
Cultivation: Coca, the raw material for cocaine, is grown predominantly in regions like Nariño, Putumayo, and Norte de Santander.

4. Government Efforts

Military Operations: The Colombian government has conducted numerous campaigns to combat cartels, often supported by U.S. initiatives like Plan Colombia (a military and development aid package).
Extradition Agreements: Many cartel leaders have been extradited to the United States.
Crop Eradication: Efforts to destroy coca crops, including aerial spraying, have met with limited success and have been criticized for their environmental and social impacts.

5. Current Dynamics

Fragmentation: Major cartels have splintered into smaller, decentralized groups, often referred to as "bandas criminales" or BACRIM.
Regional Control: Groups like the Gulf Clan and dissident FARC factions now dominate specific regions.
International Networks: Colombian cartels collaborate with Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels to distribute drugs worldwide.

6. Social and Economic Impact

Violence: The drug trade has fueled decades of violence, with cartel-related murders and human rights abuses.
Corruption: Drug money has infiltrated politics, law enforcement, and the judiciary.
Economic Costs: While the drug trade generates immense profits for traffickers, it undermines legitimate economic development and stability.

7. International Involvement

United States: Colombia is a...