Definition of Cartel (Drug Trafficking)

A cartel or cartel, since both spellings are correct, is a criminal organization. It is a term that refers to the groups of delinquency organized in the context of Latin America. In other parts of the world it is more common to use the word mafia.

"Silver or lead" in the Mexican cartels

In Mexico, especially in the territory On the border with the United States, there is a situation of great social upheaval: thousands of crimes and disappearances, smuggling, drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and generalized corruption. The main responsible are the different cartels dedicated to the transport of narcotics from Mexico to the United States.

These groups have become immensely rich and powerful with their activities outside the law. The cartels defend their interests with a system known as "silver or lead." In other words, either you accept the bribe or you are killed. This form of intimidation conditions the daily life of the entire border territory. There is a circumstance that reflects very well the atmosphere of

violence: in some localities, Mexican policemen usually wear their faces covered, because they know that their life runs a serious danger. We must not forget, on the other hand, that some police officers are collaborators or directly hitmen of criminal groups.

Ciudad Juárez, the crime capital of the world

Ciudad Juárez is the Mexican town where the population it suffers more from the consequences of cartel activities. Violence is out of control and various crimes occur every day with absolute normality. For years it has been known as the murder capital of the world. Obviously, this situation has a very negative effect on investments, tourism, employment and quality of life in general. In recent years the situation in Ciudad Juárez has improved significantly. However, this town continues to be subjected to the bosses of the Juárez Cartel, an organization that rivals others, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, the Tijuana Cartel or Los Zetas.

The social structure of the cartels

These criminal groups have an organizational structure similar to that of any multinational; with their territories, their markets and their franchises.

At the base of the social pyramid of the business are the "narcomenudistas" or donkeys, usually young people who are recruited by the cartels to sell drugs in the streets. At a higher level are the "gunmen", that is, the hitmen ready to pull the trigger. At the next level lieutenants appear, in charge of controlling a territory. Finally, the cartel has its own leader or capo as the maximum responsible and, as is logical, every leader has a "queen" at his side, usually an attractive woman.

Photos: Fotolia - flint01 / VectorShots

Cartel Issues (Drug Trafficking)