Copan is home to nine different indigenous groups with their own customs and traditions outside of Latin American culture. Deep in the jungles of Copan, many of these tribes and villages have little to no contact with the outside world.

The recent discovery of a local Mayan ritual has revealed a hallucinogenic plant called ‘balam’ used in religious ceremonies that also has an opioid-type effect. This discovery, its portability and simplicity to produce, leads to the possibility of creating a new designer drug. This makes it an attractive product to nefarious actors. The problem is it is only found the western part of Copan.

Indigenous rights. Fighting the drug war. Funding an insurgency to liberate your land. Where do you stand?