To gain some form of protection and leverage, many latin american drug lords
a) blackmail poor farmers.
b) move to the united states.
c) corrupt law enforcement officials.
d) make alliances with religious officials.

The correct answer is C. To gain some form of protection and leverage, many Latin American drug lords corrupt law enforcement officials.

Explanation:

Latin America has historically been the cradle of drug trafficking, due to its strategic position close to the United States, the main consumer of illegal drugs, and its favorable climate for the production of these substances.

Countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Guatemala are just some of the Latin countries that produce illegal drugs on a large scale. There, the producers are true mafia bosses, who use their power to intimidate political bosses and government officials so that they respond to their interests. Many of these government officials, motivated by bribes, end up being functional to the interests of these drug lords, turning a blind eye to the crimes committed, and passing laws that favor them.

A clear example of this type of relationship between drug trafficking and corrupt governments is that of Pablo Escobar, from Colombia, who thanks to his power managed the entire city of Medellin at his will, and even managed to be elected to the Congress of his country.