The article discusses the rise of Mexico's drug cartels, primarily Sinaloa and Jalisco, emphasizing their control over a significant portion of the country and the impact of drug consumption on their power.
The article delves into the powerful influence of Mexico's drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, which have gained dominance over one-third of the Mexican territory and generated billions in profits through drug trafficking. This illicit trade has transformed over the decades, starting from smuggling operations in the 1930s to becoming a well-organized transit economy for narco-trafficking, leading to pervasive violence and a profound challenge to the state.
Moreover, the war against drugs in Mexico, officially unacknowledged as a war, has persisted for nearly two decades. The continuation of this conflict highlights the deepening control of drug cartels within the country, marking an era of escalating violence and instability. The situation poses not only a threat to the governance of the Mexican state but also affects local communities and law enforcement efforts that struggle to contend with the aggressive tactics of these criminal organizations.
The article underscores the historical evolution of these cartels, revealing how they have not only thrived due to demand for drugs but also how their operations have integrated into the socio-economic fabric of Mexico. This reflection serves as a stark reminder of the complexities faced by the Mexican government in addressing the cartel crisis, which intertwines issues of poverty, corruption, and law enforcement inadequacies, leaving many to question the future of Mexico's safety and governance amidst these challenges.
