Although all the international instruments (treaties, conventions, etc), that shape criminal policy concerning drug trafficking in the Latin American region, converge and given the commitment of the states to go in the same direction, nevertheless it is quite difficult to conduct good research in the subject. This is due to multiple, and constant, reforms in the local legislation, the use of different legal terms and the context of the right to privacy in each country. This article, written by Gloria Orrego Hoyos and Esteban Pizá, addresses the main legal instruments applicable to the general topic of drug trafficking, and concerning personal consumption or minimum dose, and highlights the problems and obstacles faced with regard to conducting research about drug trafficking in the Latin American region.