Who rules the neighborhood?

Violence and illegalized drug markets in segregated neighborhoods in the province of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Abstract

This paper seeks to reflect on the world of drug micro-trafficking (and the traffickers, natively known as “transas”) in marginalized areas of Greater Buenos Aires. We will analyze the importance of illegal drug markets in these territories and discuss the relationship between these markets and the violence observed locally. We will describe residents’ perceptions of micro-trafficking operations in their neighborhoods, the impact of these markets on communities and the relationship between drug sellers and the neighborhood. This work leads us to ask a question: who is in charge of the neighborhood? The partial answer is a contribution to the discussion on criminal governance.