Mexico’s most dangerous drug lord was killed in a military operation on Sunday. He was killed by the Mexican army. His name was Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes. The world knew him as El Mencho. He was said to be the main leader of the notorious drug cartel CJNG. It was on top of America’s hit list. America had offered a reward of 15 million dollars for his arrest. America believes that it had a big role in supplying drugs. This is considered to be the biggest success of the Mexican government so far.
But, it is not necessary that America will give a clean chit to Mexico after its killing, it is not so. Because this country is notorious in terms of supply of drugs. However, the Mexican government has taken this step only to send a message to the Trump administration. The government wanted to show that it was tough on drug mafias. But after this action the cartel members created a huge ruckus. Violence broke out in about 12 states of Mexico. The miscreants set vehicles on fire on the roads. The roads were completely blocked. In many cities only black smoke was visible in the sky. This incident shows how deep the roots of drug cartels run in Mexico.
Come, let us know on this pretext how Mexico became famous for drugs, what are the factors due to which it became known for drugs, how many countries does it have connections with?
This image was not created suddenly
The name of Mexico is often associated with drugs. This image did not arise suddenly. There are decades old reasons behind this. Some reasons are related to geography. Some reasons are related to economy and politics. Some reasons are related to the strategy of criminal networks. Mexico is very close to America and America, an economically prosperous country, is considered one of the biggest drug markets in the world. Therefore smuggling happens easily. There are routes by land also. There are routes by sea also. Paths have also been made through air. Due to the long range, monitoring becomes difficult. The same control cannot be achieved everywhere. This becomes an opportunity for drug smugglers.
Cartel gang leader killed
Smugglers from other countries made this route their route
In the beginning, Mexico was used as a route several times. Drugs from other areas used to travel through Mexico. With time many groups themselves got into production and supply. In some areas, opium poppy and hemp have been cultivated for a long time. Media reports claim that many areas of the western state of Michoacan have a history of poppy and marijuana cultivation. It continued there along with other crops.
Poverty and unemployment gave impetus to smuggling
Drug smuggling has also increased in Mexico due to poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities. The youth did not have employment, as a result they started earning money through drug smuggling. Gradually their roots became deeper and today Mexico ranks high among the drug supplying countries. Is infamous. Big smugglers lure local youth with money, bikes, weapons, and identity. Gradually the network became stronger and now the country has only infamy in its hands.
Drug smuggling has also increased in Mexico due to poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities.
Corruption furthered drug smuggling
Drug trade does not run alone. To run it, space has to be created in the system. Through bribery, pressure, and threats, the smugglers made this place perfect. It also comes to light in various reports that some gangs tried to get police and political protection. It was also said that El Mencho (CJNG) avoided arrest for a long time and used methods such as pay-offs to the police.
Growth of organized gangs and internecine warfare
There have been many big cartels in Mexico. Wear and tear also occurred with time. New groups were formed. Then the fight to capture areas increased. When one cartel weakens, another comes to take its place. This increases violence. And the name of the country comes more in the news. According to the report, CJNG expanded significantly in a short time and became a rival to older networks like Sinaloa.
Robin Hood image of drug smugglers
Some cartels don’t run on fear alone. Sometimes they even pretend to help. They distribute ration in poor areas. Build local support by giving money. Food packaging bearing the name of this group has been mentioned during the 2020 pandemic. It was told that at some places people associated with the cartel were also seen distributing food packets. Due to this, their social influence increased and the image of such gangs started becoming like Robin Hood.
There have been many big cartels in Mexico.
Becoming a brand of violence and fear
Some gangs are also very cruel. Their purpose is to convey a message. The police, rivals, and the public have to be intimidated. Media reports mention CJNG’s violent methods, fear-mongering such as beheadings, and attacks on police. The report also mentions the killing of several policemen over a period in the year 2015. Such incidents come in the media. Then the image becomes deeper at the international level.
The era of synthetic drugs and fentanyl
Earlier, agriculture based drugs were more in discussion. Later the era of synthetic drugs increased. These are made in the lab. There is not much need for farming for them. CJNG is said to be known for smuggling large quantities of drugs, including fentanyl. Fentanyl has also been linked to overdose deaths. This issue also became a matter of controversy in US-Mexico relations.
Why did the country become known as a drug smuggler?
There is not just one reason for this. There are many reasons behind this. Geography gave way. The big market of America increased the demand. Weak governance and corruption created space. The cartel’s strategy spread the network. Violence increased both fear and discussion. And synthetic drugs further accelerated the business.
Mexico being known as a drug trafficking country is not just because of drugs. This is a complex social and political problem. It would be incomplete to consider this only as an issue of crime. Development, employment, education, law and order, and international cooperation are all connected in this. As long as the demand remains, supply routes will continue to be created. The solution is long. And it is multi-layered. For this, many countries including America and Mexico will have to make joint efforts. The way out will be through development. Will come out of employment. It will come out by uniting the society. Action will also have to be taken against other drug smugglers present inside the country.
Mexico has connections with how many countries?
The network of drug smugglers has generally become multi-national. Three types of countries are involved in this. First, where the production or lab runs. Second, from where chemicals, weapons or money come and go. Third, where consumption is high. Therefore it is difficult to tell the number of countries. It also changes with time. And the network of every cartel is different. Still one thing is clear. Mexico’s connections were not limited to neighboring countries only. Drugs, money, and supply chains span multiple continents.
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