The Influence of Cartels in Mexico: Current Truth and Government Dynamics

How much influence do cartels have in Mexico?

The influence of cartels in Mexico can vary significantly depending on the region, with certain areas experiencing a higher degree of corruption and criminal activity. A recent scientific estimate published in a British Journal suggests that there are around 175,000 cartel members, leading to approximately 80 to 100 violent killings per day.

Public Data and Recent Incidences

Public data indicate that during the 2018 electoral processes, around 100 municipal candidates were assassinated. These figures underscore the ongoing threat and influence of cartels in Mexico's political landscape. For more detailed information, consult the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Regional Variations

The level of cartel influence varies considerably by region. In my hometown, even the local police collaborate with 'Corporations.' A friend in the ‘Guardia Nacional’ revealed that he and his colleagues moved drug packages in a marked patrol vehicle, which, despite being a fully functional law enforcement unit, was assisting the criminal organizations.

This collaboration is not uncommon in all of Mexico but is more prevalent in certain territories where the cartels have established a full-scale control, even influencing law enforcement entities. This situation is reflective of a broader trend in parts of the country where cartels hold significant power.

Declining Influence and Government Shifts

While cartels still maintain a significant presence, their influence has diminished compared to previous decades. Over the past 30 years, the Mexican government has significantly increased its control and regulatory power in the drug trade, a stark contrast to countries like Colombia.

Government intervention has shifted from merely tolerating the cartels to actively benefitting from the drug trade profiteering. In the 1980s and 1990s, the government required permission to engage in large-scale illegal trade, and this permission was often contingent upon the government's favoritism, usually through financial incentives or compliance.

The Role of Profits and Silence from Politicians

The primary reason why top-level politicians, including governors, mayors, senators, and congressmen, choose not to take decisive action against the cartels is due to profits. The drug trade is highly lucrative, and many government officials have direct or indirect financial interests.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the government recognized the financial potential of the drug trade and began to profit from it. NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) is often speculated to have been crafted with consideration for the drug trade. This agreement allowed the government to exploit the drug trade for financial gain.

However, the government's response to excessive cartel activity, such as the murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena, is typically limited to scandal management. The government's reluctance to fully dismantle the cartels is due to the significant financial interests at stake. Even if a new president brings changes, the established dynamics make it unlikely that the situation will fundamentally shift any time soon.

The Legacy of Kiki Camarena

The assassination of DEA agent Kiki Camarena highlights the ongoing tension between enforcement and criminal organizations. The case underscores the challenges faced by the government in maintaining its sovereignty and integrity, especially in the face of powerful criminal networks.

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