Guatemala’s Addicts Behind Bars

The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in cocaine trafficking through Guatemala en route north, to the United States. Part of the fallout locally, has been a rise in addiction. As a result, more than 200 drug rehabilitation centres have been set up in the capital alone.

Many of these are run by Pentecostal churches, with little oversight or regulation. Often addicts are swept up from the streets by 'hunting parties', and forced to attend such a centre.

Linda Pressly travels to Guatemala City to investigate compulsory drug rehabilitation events.

(Image: Addict in one of Guatemala’s Christian rehabilitation centres. BBC Copyright)