InfoSearched
In the Mexican War on Drugs, the word, “cartel” gets thrown around a lot.
The Sinaloa Cartel; The Gulf Cartel; La Famillia; Los Zetas.
But who actually are these organizations which have inflicted grotesque violence on Mexico – and made billions of dollars in the process? How did they grow from small smuggling gangs to mighty empires – and then splinter into separate factions each fighting one another?
What is the estimated amount of money that Mexican drug cartels generate each year from the illegal drug trade?
Mexico has been long associated with illegal drug activities, and the country is infamous for its drug cartels. Mexican drug cartels are among the most powerful and violent organized crime groups in the world. These cartels operate not only within Mexico but also across international borders, using their power and wealth to manipulate and control local governments and communities.
The drug cartel industry in Mexico is massive, with the United Nations estimating that the illegal drug trade generates over $25 billion in revenue each year. The vast majority of this money is made by drug cartels who produce and distribute illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
So, how do Mexican drug cartels make billions? The answer lies in their highly sophisticated business strategies, which include a range of illegal activities that go well beyond drug trafficking.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is, of course, the primary activity of Mexican drug cartels. The cartels produce, smuggle, and distribute billions of dollars worth of drugs every year. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Mexican cartels have a dominant presence in the U.S. drug market. Mexican drug lords use all manner of methods to transport drugs into the United States, including using tunnels, vehicles, planes, and boats to get the contraband across the border.
Kidnapping and Extortion
In addition to drug trafficking, Mexican cartels are notorious for their kidnapping and extortion activities. They abduct individuals for ransom and demand money from businesses and individuals for protection. Kidnapping is a highly profitable activity for drug cartels, and the victims are often held for an extended period, with the cartels demanding large sums of money from the families of the victim.
Money Laundering
Drug cartels are also highly skilled in laundering their profits. They use sophisticated financial systems to wash the money and make it appear legitimate. Cartels have been known to invest their illegally earned proceeds in various high-end businesses; such as construction, hotels, shopping centres, and real estate. They use these companies to launder their money without arousing the suspicions of the authorities. Money laundering is a highly profitable enterprise for drug cartels, and it has been estimated that they have laundered billions of dollars through their business activities.
Arms Trafficking
Mexican cartels are also major players in the illegal arms trade. They use their profits from drug trafficking activities to purchase high-powered weapons and explosives. The cartels acquire these weapons through illegal arms dealers, corrupt officials, and friendly governments. The weapons are then used to protect their drug operations and to fight off their rivals.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is another highly lucrative activity for Mexican drug cartels. They smuggle thousands of people across the border each year, charging exorbitant fees for their services. These people are often subjected to brutal treatment, including being raped, beaten, and forced to work in the sex industry or as slave labor.
In conclusion, Mexican drug cartels make billions of dollars every year through a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, kidnappings, extortion, arms trafficking, and human smuggling. These cartels are highly organized, powerful, and violent, causing significant damage to the economies and societies where they operate. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, these cartels still remain a significant and persistent threat.
The Clamper | Old Tool Reborn
Urban Stealth Camping With Hammock In Residential Area
“They Can’t Hide It Anymore” (unseen footage)
Family of 5 Living Off-Grid | BOAT ACCESS ONLY
Everything You Need To Know About ‘Murder Hornets’