Maritime drug trafficking operates through constantly evolving decentralized networks composed of armed organizations, small groups and logistics entities. These networks, influenced by the context, are adaptable and drive innovation among their actors. This article proposes to study this phenomenon from complexity theory, which offers tools to analyze this type of systems, and with a methodological approach based on the simulation of social systems. It is proposed to develop a simulation model based on nodes, connections, loadings and patrols. The proposed model, which will be developed and presented in subsequent articles, will provide empirical knowledge to better understand the dynamics of maritime drug trafficking and to be able to anticipate the effects of its intervention, in view of the authorities' decisions regarding this problem.
