Illicit Markets in the Americas

Illicit trade is neither victimless nor marginal. Across Latin America and Canada, it has become a major source of revenue for organized criminal networks, undermining public security, public health, and economic development. From counterfeit goods to smuggling networks, illicit markets reinforce cycles of criminality.

These markets thrive in the absence of efficient regulation and robust enforcement. They finance organized crime, fuel violence, and erode the rule of law, while draining public revenues that could otherwise support healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety. Illicit products also expose consumers to serious health and safety risks and weaken trust in public institutions.

This by-invitation, on-the-record event will examine both the scale of the challenge and practical solutions in the Latin American context. Panelists will explore how appropriate regulation, effective enforcement, and public-private cooperation can disrupt illicit trade, protect consumers, and recover lost revenues, highlighting examples of success across the region.

This event is made possible with the support of Philip Morris International (PMI).

This even is open to the press. Contact mediarelations@as-coa.org for more information.

Speakers:

• Chris Landberg, Senior Bureau Official, Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
• Marco Hannappel, President, Latin America and Canada, Philip Morris International (PMI)
• Gastón Schulmeister, Technical Secretary, BID | Alianza para la Seguridad, la Justicia y el Desarrollo
• Gerardo Esquivel, Mexican Economist
• Cecilia Farfán, Head of the North American Observatory, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime
• Ivan Arvelo, Director, National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (DHS-HSI)
• Susan Segal, President & CEO, Americas Society/Council of the Americas
• Amb. (ret.) Kevin K. Sullivan, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas and Head of the Washington Office
• Brian Winter, Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly