VICIOUS, RUTHLESS and BLOODTHIRSTY: MEXICAN CRIME SYNDICATES

By: Ignacio J. Esteban

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Mexican crime syndicates have existed for decades and only became more powerful after the collapse of the Cali and Medellín cartels in Colombia in the 1990s. Now, Mexican cartels command the wholesale drug markets and about 90% of the cocaine entering the United States. Violence between the different syndicates has only increased with the arrests of key cartel leaders. These organizations are fighting to control more trafficking routes into the United States. It is estimated the Mexican cartels make over 50 billion dollars annually in drug proceeds. Violence in Mexico remains high with the death toll anywhere from 60,000 to 120,000 in the last decade. Police corruption is still a major problem in Mexico and makes it difficult for the United States government to have an equal partner in the war on drugs. These cartels are vicious and ruthless and will stop at nothing to command and increase their territory.