In recent months, Peru has been facing a troubling increase in violence targeting bus drivers and transportation companies, particularly in the capital city of Lima. Extortion gangs are wreaking havoc in the transportation sector, demanding protection money from companies in exchange for safety. Those who refuse to pay face brutal consequences, with reports of shootings targeting buses even while they are full of passengers.
The escalating crisis has shed light on the alarming extent of control that these criminal organizations now wield over the transportation industry in Peru. The profits generated from extortion have surpassed those from activities such as drug trafficking and illegal mining, leaving companies with no choice but to comply with the demands of these ruthless gangs.
The phrase “plomo o plata” has become a chilling ultimatum for bus drivers and companies alike, forcing them to either pay up or risk facing violence. The situation has reached a breaking point, with drivers living in constant fear for their lives as they navigate the dangerous highways of Lima.
This year alone, there have been 14 attacks on bus drivers, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The president of the Transport Union, Martín Valeriano, has criticized the government for its perceived inaction in response to these killings, highlighting the sense of abandonment felt by those working in the transportation industry.
Protests erupted in Lima in late September, with thousands of vehicles coming to a halt as transport workers demanded government intervention to combat the extortion plaguing their livelihoods. The strike caused widespread disruption in the city, affecting public services, schools, and businesses.
In an attempt to address the escalating violence, the Peruvian government declared a two-month state of emergency in select districts of Lima. This move grants the military and police expanded powers to maintain order, including the suspension of certain constitutional rights. While this may temporarily deter criminal activity, there are concerns that it fails to address the root causes of extortion and corruption in the transportation sector.
Many fear that the emergency measures could be extended beyond the initial two months, leading to increased surveillance and restrictions that disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens and businesses. The future remains uncertain as Peru grapples with the dark underbelly of its transportation system and the pervasive influence of extortionist gangs.
