Colombia the Most Dangerous City

Welcome to Medellin, coke capital of the world

In the outer office of the mayor of Medellin, a thickset bodyguard cradles a Remington pump shotgun in his arms. A revolver is shoved into the waistband of his trousers, and a two-way radio is recharging in a unit near his feet. Down the hall, only a whistle away, are more armed men. Outside city hall, a uniformed policeman shoulders an Israeli-manufactured Galil automatic rifle as he casts a careful eye on passersby.

Who said you can't fight city hall? For more than a decade, the drug barons of the Medellin cartel have been using murder and corruption in an attempt...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!