Mexico is currently facing a complex and violent situation, characterized by an undeclared non-international armed conflict against drug narcoterrorist cartels that control various states across the country. The predominant approach of President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration has been one of 'peace with hugs, not bullets,' which has resulted in a significant rise in drug trafficking and associated violence, raising questions about the efficacy of such a strategy. This change in approach seems to reflect a growing acknowledgment of the challenges facing the nation in terms of public safety and security.

Recently, the Mexican armed forces, supported by the United States, successfully carried out an operation that led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This operation, however, also triggered a wave of retaliatory terrorist attacks and highlighted deeper issues such as the infiltration of drug traffickers into the armed forces and the recruitment of military personnel by these criminal organizations. The government's struggle reflects a broader regional dynamic, affecting how law enforcement interacts with powerful drug networks that operate with impunity.

Looking beyond Mexico, Colombia, under President Gustavo Petro, is dealing with similar challenges due to an ideological policy direction that parallels that of Mexico. This has resulted in an increase in cocaine production, illustrating the transnational nature of the narcotics issue in Latin America and suggesting that simplistic strategies may not adequately address the complex realities of the drug trade and its socioeconomic implications across the region.