The Shottas: A Gang Rivalry Dominating Colombia's Pacific Coast

The Shottas, a dominant criminal group in Colombia's port city of Buenaventura, have long been locked in a fierce rivalry with their counterparts, the Spartans. This gang conflict has significantly impacted the city's security and stability, drawing attention to broader issues of organized crime in the region.

Formed in the early 2000s following the demobilization of paramilitary groups like the Calima Bloc, The Shottas emerged under the leadership of the Bustamante family. Their rise was marked by a surge in violence and extortion, controlling key drug trafficking routes through Buenaventura's estuaries. By the late 2010s, internal conflicts within the group led to its split, resulting in the formation of The Shottas and their rivals, the Spartans, by December 2020.

The gangs' primary activities include drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnappings, with both groups vying for control over strategic territories. This competition has led to heightened violence, forcing civilians to adhere to an informal curfew and leaving schools adjusting schedules to ensure student safety.

In a bid for peace, The Shottas and Spartans agreed to a truce under President Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" initiative in 2022. This pact notably reduced homicides by 16% between June 2023 and 2024. However, the truce collapsed in January 2025 after 17 murders were reported, prompting both gangs to withdraw from negotiations following government actions against their leadership.

The Shottas' story highlights the complexities of organized crime's impact on local communities and the challenges faced by peace efforts in Colombia. Their ongoing conflict underscores the need for sustained dialogue and effective governance to address the root causes of violence.