Verapaz

In February, the government lifted a two-month-long state of siege that it had declared in Alta Verapaz province, which neighbors Peten province, during which security forces were sent to quell drug-related violence.

Massacre in northern Guatemala leaves 29 dead 2011

The city of Coban and the surrounding Alta Verapaz region sit at the crossroads of many of those smuggling corridors.

Mexican drug cartels draws Guatemalan army to jungles where it fought civil war William Booth 2011

They subsequently established a strong foothold in the country, but especially in the departments of El Petén and Alta Verapaz in the north, and Izabal in the east.

Michael Deibert: Ballots and Bullets in Guatemala Michael Deibert 2011

The Zetas began controlling cocaine trafficking in the Alta Verapaz region in 2008 after killing "Juancho" Leon.

Massacre in northern Guatemala leaves 29 dead 2011

They subsequently established a strong foothold in the country, but especially in the departments of El Petén and Alta Verapaz in the north, and Izabal in the east.

Michael Deibert: Ballots and Bullets in Guatemala Michael Deibert 2011

They subsequently established a strong foothold in the country, but especially in the departments of El Petén and Alta Verapaz in the north, and Izabal in the east.

Michael Deibert: Ballots and Bullets in Guatemala Michael Deibert 2011

Subsequently the dismembered body of the prosecutor investigating the case was found in Alta Verapaz, Both departments have been subject to state of siege orders during the Colom presidency.

Michael Deibert: Ballots and Bullets in Guatemala Michael Deibert 2011

The Zetas presence here has become so strong that late last year the government imposed military law in the central province of Alta Verapaz for several months.

Mexican Gang Moves Into Guatemala Nicholas Casey 2011

Subsequently the dismembered body of the prosecutor investigating the case was found in Alta Verapaz, Both departments have been subject to state of siege orders during the Colom presidency.

Michael Deibert: Ballots and Bullets in Guatemala Michael Deibert 2011

Subsequently the dismembered body of the prosecutor investigating the case was found in Alta Verapaz, Both departments have been subject to state of siege orders during the Colom presidency.

Michael Deibert: Ballots and Bullets in Guatemala Michael Deibert 2011