Guatemala is one of the most violent countries in the world. 95% of murders remain unsolved, and the ultra-violent Maras manage drug trafficking, prostitution, and racketeering in the country and spread terror among the population. After several weeks of negotiation, we gained access to some of these gangs.<br /><br />In the favela of Villanueva, Pedro is at the head of Barrio 18. That he has reached the age of 32 is practically a miracle. It’s rare for gang members to live past 25. The police who try and control his gang are woefully under-equipped. Sometimes, they even have to buy their own ammunition.<br /><br />Faced with these disturbing levels of violence and an impotent police force, many citizens are choosing to arm themselves. Gun sales have increased by 20% in just one year. Others prefer to join local militants and combat the gangs directly.
