Drug Tourism at Edificio Hojarsaca: A Hidden Danger in Medellín

Drug Tourism at Edificio Hojarsaca: A Hidden Danger in Medellín

When you book an Airbnb, you’re probably not expecting to share the building with active participants in Medellín’s infamous drug tourism scene. Cocaine and Tusee (pink cocaine) fueled all-night ragers that can turn from just a party to a violent event. If things go south with these substances, the menu can include fist fights to knifings, shootings, and just good old-fashioned overdoses and calls back home about little Johnny being in the Medellin Morgue and wondering if someone bought that insurance policy that pays to ship the dead gringo back to Pittburgh. 

No, you don’t read about this stuff in the travel brochures, but tourists are found dead in Medellin Airbnbs on a weekly basis!

Unfortunately, Edificio Hojarasca has gained a reputation for attracting individuals seeking easy access to illicit substances due to the lax security and lack of security guards on property. It is reported that unit owners turn a blind eye to basically any and all activities. “What happens in Medellin stays in Medellin, baby!” and we are here to please as your Airbnb hosts.

My background is corporate office security in high-risk areas, so I know a thing or two about risk. Here’s the deal: What they are saying is “security” in this building is pure window dressing. It’s a long list of why it’s a joke: Everything from security camera design and locations, lack of real-time video monitoring, and design of the security gate system and’secret’ passage to the elevator. The property is well suited for activities that will go unmonitored—name the vice—drugs, prostitutes, and child trafficking—and this place can easily be a hub for them. 

This not only creates an uncomfortable environment when staying (did for us) but also increases the likelihood of undesirable encounters in common areas. ‘Yeah, it’s clear you are here working madame and we really didn’t need to smell your cheap perfume in the elevator.’

If you’re looking for a safe and peaceful stay, Edificio Hojarsca is best avoided. 

Oh, and by the way, we personally witnessed one of these parties on an upper floor during our stay, and it lasted all night. And based on the ‘speed’ of conversations we could hear from the door—they weren’t just high on life

Poor residents!

J&A, Dallas.