Medellín’s Cocaine Economy and the Human Cost Behind the Headlines

An investigative look into cocaine culture, nightlife tourism, addiction, and the growing recovery movement emerging in Medellín, Colombia.

Medellín has spent years rebuilding its global image. Once internationally associated almost exclusively with cartel violence and cocaine trafficking, the city is now promoted as a center for innovation, tourism, nightlife, luxury development, and entrepreneurship.

Every month, thousands of international visitors arrive looking for rooftop parties, reggaeton concerts, electronic music...