David Hidalgo discusses the origins of Ojo Público, its investigative focus, and the role of communication from regional perspectives in this video interview.

The Comando Vermelho (CV), a Brazilian criminal organization, has established a significant presence in the Ucayali region of the Peruvian Amazon, exploiting the area's remote nature and lack of government presence to control coca cultivation and cocaine production. The CV's influence extends to controlling local communities, including indigenous populations, and managing the entire drug production and trafficking chain. The region has seen an increase in coca cultivation, with 14,531 hectares reported in 2022, nearly four times the area registered in 2020. Efforts by the Peruvian anti-drug agency DEVIDA and the National Police's anti-drug unit DIRANDRO to combat drug trafficking face challenges due to the CV's dominance and the lack of alternative economic opportunities for local residents.

Various churches in the Triple Frontier region are competing for followers, many of whom are involved in narcotrafficking. The article explores the role of religion in deforestation and narcotrafficking, focusing on the activities of the Iglesia Bautista Wesleyana and the Israelitas del Nuevo Pacto Universal. The investigation reveals the involvement of religious groups in illicit activities, including coca cultivation. The community of Cushillococha, led by Pastor Magno, is highlighted for its efforts to find alternative economic activities. The article also discusses the broader impact of narcotrafficking on local communities and the environment.

Unethical individuals are attempting to sell the entire territories of the Chachibai Native Community, home to the Iskonawa people, who have faced abuses for over 60 years. New evidence links a high-ranking official from the national organization CONAP to this attempt. Despite previous interventions by the Ministry of Culture and indigenous organizations, new documents and testimonies suggest ongoing efforts to sell the communal lands. Mauro Cairuna, a leader of ORNAU, is accused of offering the lands, though he denies involvement, attributing the accusations to misunderstandings and misuse of his identity. The Iskonawa community is engaged in legal battles to regain control of their lands, facing threats and violence. The Ministry of Culture is preparing actions to address the longstanding demands of the Iskonawa people.