Exploring the Risks and Rewards of Fuel Smuggling across the Colombia-Venezuela Border
What is the life of a fuel smuggler like? It’s hard to imagine until you see it with your own eyes. A new documentary explores the fascinating yet risky profession of fuel smuggling across the border between Colombia and Venezuela.
The region – home to the Andes Mountains – spans 2200km in height and is a no-man’s land in the middle of the jungle. It has become a paradise for cartels, but not in the traditional sense. Instead of cocaine, it’s black gold – petroleum – that’s the most sought-after commodity.
With the fall in the price of petrol, the economy in Venezuela has collapsed, leaving millions of residents struggling to survive. Many have been forced to turn to smuggling, after buying fuel in Venezuela, they cross the border on foot into Colombia, lugging 50-litre tanks on their backs. They then re-sell the fuel at thirty times the price.
It’s a high-risk form of trafficking as smugglers must walk through the jungle, avoiding military checkpoints set up by both countries. On the Venezuelan side, the military is always on the lookout and is all too ready to fire.
For the first time, a new documentary provides viewers with an unprecedented look into this world. The documentary showcases the daily struggles of smugglers and the dangers they face, and all its filmed in great detail. It is a must-see for anyone seeking to learn more about this dark yet intriguing world.
So bring the world of fuel smuggling to life and enjoy the documentary covering the lives of smugglers in great detail. The documentary is worth watching to understand the reasons behind this rising phenomenon.
