The 2200km long border between Colombia and Venezuela is littered with danger and uncertainty. The region, dominated by the Andes Mountains and thick jungle, is a no-man’s land for petrol smugglers. With the collapse of Venezuela’s economy due to dropping oil prices, many have resorted to this form of smuggling in order to make a living.
These brave individuals sneak past the Venezuelan military in order to purchase 50-litre tanks of petrol at a fraction of their price in Columbia. They carry these tanks on their backs across the border, sometimes up to 10km, in order to sell them at 30 times the cost they purchased it for. It is an incredibly dangerous undertaking as they risk being shot by the military if they are caught – making it perilous yet highly profitable form of trafficking.
For the first time ever, cameras have been allowed into this clandestine world where smugglers are doing all they can to survive. This gripping documentary gives unprecedented access into a life that most do not realise exists and serves as an eye-opening insight into how desperate people will go in order for them to make ends meet.
If you’re interested in understanding more about criminal activity or want an insight into life under extreme economic strain then this documentary is well worth a watch. You’ll become acquainted with unique characters that live on both sides of this turbulent border, as well as see how smugglers take risks many wouldn’t dare – all for some petrol that could be sold at a far higher price elsewhere.
