12 Historic Facts About The Rise of the Mexican Cartels

7. Militarization and the Mexican Drug War

In the mid-2000s, the Mexican government initiated a military-led offensive against drug cartels, marking the beginning of an intense and violent drug war. This strategy aimed to dismantle powerful criminal organizations but led to escalating casualties and widespread violence. Cartels adapted by employing more sophisticated tactics, including the use of high-powered weapons and increased corruption, challenging the effectiveness of military operations and law enforcement efforts. The conflict has had profound social and economic impacts on communities across Mexico. (cfr.org)

8. Rise of the Sinaloa Cartel

Under the leadership of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, the Sinaloa Cartel emerged as one of the world’s most powerful criminal enterprises. Guzmán’s strategic smuggling operations and extensive bribery networks enabled the cartel to control significant drug trafficking routes, particularly for cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Their sophisticated logistics and ability to evade law enforcement made them a dominant force in the global drug trade, contributing to the cartel’s substantial influence and wealth. (reuters.com)

9. Diversification of Cartel Activities

Mexican drug cartels have expanded their illicit operations beyond drug trafficking to include activities such as kidnapping, oil theft, migrant trafficking, and extortion. This diversification has significantly increased their revenues and influence. For instance, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has been involved in fuel theft, leading to substantial financial losses for the Mexican government. Additionally, cartels have targeted migrants for extortion, kidnapping, and human smuggling, exploiting vulnerable populations for profit. (axios.com)

10. The Fragmentation of Cartel Power

Pressure from law enforcement and internal disputes have led to the fragmentation of major Mexican drug cartels into smaller, more violent factions. This decentralization has intensified territorial conflicts, as these splinter groups vie for control over drug trafficking routes and other illicit activities. The resulting power vacuum has made the criminal landscape more volatile, with increased competition and violence among emerging groups. (cfr.org)

11. The Role of Political Corruption

Political and police corruption have been critical in facilitating the operations of Mexican drug cartels. Cartels often employ the “plata o plomo” (silver or lead) strategy, offering bribes or resorting to violence to secure cooperation from officials at various levels of government. This approach has led to significant infiltration of law enforcement agencies. For instance, in 2008, at least 35 officials from Mexico’s elite organized crime investigation unit were arrested for leaking sensitive information to the Beltrán Leyva cartel in exchange for substantial bribes. (latimes.com) Similarly, in 2024, over 100 local police officers in Chiapas were arrested for allegedly using surveillance systems to inform cartel-linked groups about law enforcement operations. These instances underscore how corruption impedes anti-cartel efforts and undermines public trust in law enforcement.

12. Cartel Violence & Influence Today

Mexican drug cartels continue to exert significant influence, with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel controlling substantial territories and engaging in violent confrontations. The death of CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes in February 2026 led to widespread violence, including road blockades and attacks on security forces, resulting in numerous casualties. This incident underscores the persistent volatility and the challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating cartel activities. The cartels’ influence extends beyond drug trafficking, with involvement in various illicit activities such as kidnapping, oil theft, migrant trafficking, and extortion, further destabilizing the region. The Mexican government’s response includes intensified military operations and international cooperation, but the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of ongoing debate. (thesoufancenter.org) The situation continues to evolve, with recent developments indicating a complex and ongoing struggle between Mexican authorities and criminal organizations.