On Monday night, President Donald Trump called on the State Department to label Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist groups. This highlights the serious problem these criminal organizations pose.
A study from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) shows that Mexican drug cartels are changing. They’re not just dealing with cocaine anymore; they are expanding their reach. The Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), based in Jalisco, Mexico, is at the forefront of this change. They now sell multiple drugs, including meth and fentanyl, and are extending their operations all over the world.
The report reveals that the CJNG is involved in illegal activities beyond drugs, such as mining gold illegally in South America and making fake medicines. They have also formed partnerships with other criminal groups around the world, like Brazil’s First Capital Command (PCC) and the Italian ‘Ndrangheta.
The IISS states, “The Latin American criminal world is changing dramatically. The organizations that can adapt and take control of territories are creating new ways of operating across the hemisphere.”
The CJNG’s main rival is the Sinaloa Cartel, which is older and more established. While the Sinaloa Cartel is still a major player, the CJNG is seen as more aggressive and willing to fight instead of negotiating. Both started with cocaine and marijuana, mainly moving drugs from Central America to the U.S., but the CJNG’s ability to enter new markets gives them an advantage.
Although the Sinaloa Cartel has connections with the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia, allowing them access to cocaine production, the report suggests that the CJNG’s wider approach makes them stronger. “The Sinaloa Cartel is involved in some of these new markets, but it doesn’t have the same reach or skills as CJNG,” the report says.
The report explains that both cartels buy synthetic drugs in large amounts, which allows them to earn more money. Once these drugs are sold in bulk, local gangs usually handle selling them to users. This method helps the cartels make big profits while lowering their risks.
The IISS warns that because of the CJNG’s ability to change and grow, it is likely to become the leading criminal power in the Americas.
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