Drugs is a business and if you take away the business 90% of the cartels would vanish. The intelligent business solution would be to regulate drugs, just like pharmaceuticals. Once regulated profits plummet for the cartel forcing them to shift to another product or service. A business problem which is what drugs really is can only be solved with a business solution.
The Sinaloa Cartel a multi-national company with sales and marketing outlets in 54 counties (compared to Barclay Bank, which operates in 51 counties with 48 Million customers ) plus a 35 % world-wide market share in its core product (marijuana), and with more employees than McDonald, perhaps it might be enlightening to business entrepreneurs to study the factors leading to the multinationals success.
According to US investigators, the Sinaloa Cartel has taken control of the US heroin market. Although authorities are closely watching them, the criminal group's product has displaced Colombia's and Afghanistan's from the market, and is also looking to extend its distribution networks into other US states.
According to the DEA, 50 % of heroin sold in the US is produced in Mexico, between 43 and 45 % comes from Colombia,and the rest from Asian countries. Almost all of it is supplied by Mexican cartels. In an interview, Special Prosecutor Brennan pointed directly to the Sinaloa Cartel as the organization supplying the New York market and the rest of the country.
The most recent report by the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicates that Mexican drug traffickers have a presence in 1,286 cities in the US. In less than 10 years, Mexico has overtaken Colombia and countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan as a leader in the US drug market. Currently, Mexico is the second biggest producer of opium and marijuana in the world, according to the most recent report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The Federations’s geographical advantage — production facilities close to transportation. Besides the port of Mazatlán and excellent roads — vastly improved under the Calderón Administration thanks to the new Mazatlán-Durango highway — Sinaloa has airfields (covert and not) offering easy access to their single most important outlet, the United States.
By acquiring facilities in a number of other seaports (Manzanillo, Lazaro Cárdenas, Acapulco and Salina Cruz) within a comfortable distance for logistics has vastly simplified the ability of the Sinaloans to dominate the export market. While there has been a drop in sales lately, due to moves to legalize marijuana in the United States,
If the Sinaloa Cartel was a stock on the Nasdaq its investors would still be seeing a double digit up tick on their investment each week. Opiates are also in strong demand with strong growth in sales, and with it’s already existing logistics in place, has been easily able to adjust to changing consumer demand. Ports are not only for export. China and Mongolia provide the base chemicals needed for meth-amphetamine production, and with the Sinaloan’s sales force already in place, there seems to be an unlimited growth ahead for Crystal.
More than geography and product delivery what has been essential to the success of the Sinaloans has been their management structure and successful branding. Mixing the best of both worlds, the Sinaloan management strategy is to adopt both the Asian business model, with key executive positions held by people related by blood or marriage, with the U.S. and European model of hiring outside experts for specific tasks (accounting, software design, money laundering, murder) as needed.
Having avoided diversification beyond what is necessary to preserve the core business of peripheral trades like extortion, kidnapping, truck high jacking, and murder for hire, has given the Sinaloans a reputation as the “best” in their trade. This is aptly illustrated perhaps by the reluctance of the government to pursue high level leaders of the Cartel, as opposed to the “low hanging fruit” of groups like the Beltran-Leyva Family, CDG, knights Templar and the Zetas. The Sinaloans have been masters of “soft” media manipulation: when they slaughter their rivals or potential threats to their own interests, they are very articulate at how they present their side of the story.
Their “narco-mantas” (the poorly spelled banners they hang up at the scene of the crime) give a rationale for their acts are less a taunt of their would-be rivals or those seeking to close down their industry, as it is a “sorry we had to do this” note… that they know will be reported, bad spelling and all. The bad spelling is probably intentional, cooked up by a hip PR company to create a popular image of the Sinaloans as “hill billies” simply trying to make a living, and not the sophisticated international luxury goods retailer and wholesaler that
it is.
One suspects the attention the Cartel pays to popular culture… commissioning corridos and other “low-brow” entertainment… is part of the same branding strategy. Certainly, they have been a successful business, and with their funds, are able — as with other multinationals — to underwrite political campaigns and to steer public policy towards their own interests.
Cartel de Sinaloa
-Major Mexican drug trafficking organization
- Also known as the Sinaloa Cartel, Pacific Cartel, Guzman-Loera Organization, the Federation, and the Golden Triangle.
-This cartel was formed in 1989.
-El Chapo Guzman is the leader of the Sinaloa cartel.
-El Chapo has been featured in Forbes and other lists as one of the richest and most powerful figures in the world.
-The cartel now controls the complete border from Tijuana to western Juarez
-Feuds include fighting with the Tijuana Cartel, the Los Zetas, the Juarez Cartel, and the Beltra-Leyva Cartel.
-Claims are often made that the Mexican government favours the Sinaloa cartel over others. Recent claims have been made that the US Federal Agents have favoured Sinaloa as well.
Los Zetas
-Created in 1999 by former special forces deserters who used their skills to work for cartels.
-A major Mexican and Guatemalan drug trafficking organization
-Split from their main employer the Gulf Cartel in early 2010
-They turned from an armed wing into a full fledged drug trafficking organization
-The currently control the Nuevo Laredo corridor into Southwest Texas.
-They have spread their territory stretching from the Texas border to Guatemala.
-They have seized control of much of the human smuggling industry into the US, from Central America all the way into Texas. They are believed to be responsible for the massacre of 72 Central and South Americans in northern Mexico.
-They are currently fighting with the Gulf Cartel mainly, as well as the Sinaloa and La Familia cartels.
-The group is a favourite target by the Mexican and US Government because of their ruthless behaviour.
The Gulf Cartel
-Major Mexican drug trafficking organization
-One of the older Cartels, founded in the 1970′s.
-The cartel controls some of the Gulf coast of Mexico and the north-east border area of Mexico which sits against Texas.
-For years it was mostly peaceful in North-eastern Mexico while the Gulf Cartel held undisputed control of the area.
-Formerly oversaw and employed the Los Zetas. The Los Zetas are now their #1 rival.
-Feuds include fighting with the Los Zetas, the Juarez Cartel, Beltran-Leyva Cartel, and the Tijuana Cartel.
-Most fighting is currently within its disputed territory with the Los Zetas.
-Believed to be favoured over the Los Zetas by the Mexican and US Government.
Cartel de Juarez
-Also known as the Juarez Cartel and the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Organization
-A minor drug trafficking organization, due to its recent loss of territory and power
-Formed in the 1970′s
-The cartel controls the El Paso and formerly the New Mexico corridors
-Their feud with the Sinaloa Cartel has been the source of much of the bloodshed in the drug war.
-They have lost much of their territory to Sinaloa, and some claim that Sinaloa has defeated this cartel, although the fighting still exists.
-The cartel overseas and mostly controls the La Linea and Barrio Azteca street gangs
-The group could soon lose its territory to the Sinaloa Cartel if a change of tides in the war doesn’t happen soon
-The group is believed to be a favorite target by the Mexican and US Governments
The New Federation
-This is an alliance of the La Familia, Gulf Cartel, and Sinaloa formed in 2010.
-They are together fighting the Los Zetas and the Juarez cartel.
-Reports of this alliance vary
-The Gulf Cartel reportedly reached out to the Sinaloa cartel for help in fighting and eliminating the Zetas.
THE OTHER MEXICAN CARTELS
The Knights Templars (Los Caballeros Templarios)
-Mexican drug trafficking organization
-This is a split faction from La Familia Michoacana.
-They are becoming one of Mexico’s leaders in methamphetamine manufacturing.
-They do not allow members to use drugs
New Generation Jalisco Cartel
-Mata Zetas (Zeta Killers) is the famous armed wing of this DTO
-This group is responsible for the mass Zeta killings in Veracruz
-A fairly new group in the scene
-Based in the Mexican State of Jalisco
-Claims to protect the people from kidnapping, extortion, and violence aimed at innocent citizens
-Tied with the Sinaloa Cartel
Cartel Del Pacifico Sur (South Pacific Cartel)
-Mexican dug trafficking organization
-A group aligned with the Beltran-Leyva Cartel.
-Group that El Ponchis, the 14 year old hitman was a member of.
-Believed to be more of a Beltran-Leyva cell than an independent cartel
Cartel De Tijuana
- Also known as the Tijuana Cartel and Arrellano-Felix Organization.
-Now a minor Mexico drug trafficking organization
-Formed in 1989
-The cartel controls the Baja California area and California border with Mexico.
-Once a notorious cartel, they have recently been depleted of upper ranking members and have attempted to maintain a low profile.
-The Cartel has known to have heavy influence into San Diego and Los Angeles areas.
-Feuds include fighting with the Sinaloa Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and La Familia
-It’s territory has been lost for the most part to the Sinaloa Cartel
-They have a pact to allow some drug trafficking through the now controlled Sinaloa corridors in the Tijuana area
La Familia Michoacana
- Also known as the La Familia and The Michoachan Family.
-Now a minor and borderline extinct Mexican drug trafficking organization
-Formed in the 1980′s, but was dependent on alliances with the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas until 2006.
-Originally formed as a vigilante group to help bring justice to Michocan.
-They control some of the Southern Mexican ports that bring in drugs from South America.
-Their new found alliance with the Gulf Cartel allows them access to some of the Northeastern corridors.
-Has a large faith based structure, handing out Bibles and helping their community heavily
-Feuds include fighting with Los Zetas, Juarez Cartel, and Tijuana Cartel
-Failed ceasefires with the Mexican Government and split factions by the Knights Templars have weakened the groups power
Los Negros
-A military type group that was fighting against the Los Zetas for control over Nuevo Laredo corridor
-Was formerly overseen by the Beltran-Leyva cartel. Was more recently ran by La Barbie, the famous Texan who rose to cartel stardom. Now that he is incarcerated it is hard to tell what will happen to this group.
Cartel de los Beltran-Leyva
-Formed in 2008 as a split faction from the Sinaloa Cartel
-Feuds include conflicts with Sinaloa, Gulf, and La Familia cartels
-Major allies with the Los Zetas
-Major rivals of the Cartel de Sinaloa
-Believed to be inactive because of arrests and killings of high ranking members
Cartel Del Colima
-A major synthetic drug cartel.
-Known as the meth kingpins.
-Has kept a low profile by avoiding violence
Milenio Cartel
-Mexican drug trafficking organization
-Also known as Los Valencia
-Separated from the Juarez Cartel in 1999-Has maintained to stay out of the spotlight
-Once a rival of Los Zetas, currently joined forces with Zetas
-Grows natural drugs such as marijuana and opium
Oaxaca Cartel
-Mexican drug trafficking organization
-Had early beginnings in the marijuana trade in the 1970′s
-Has also kept a low profile by avoiding violence
CIDA-Acapulco’s Independent Cartel
-Mexican drug trafficking organization
-A new and mainly unknown cartel in the Acapulco area fighting for control of the local port.
-It is yet to be seen if this cartel will disappear as a minor gang, or emerge as a local leader
-They are responsible for killing hit men that have been killing recklessly in Acapulco.
COLOMBIAN DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS
(these groups supply Mexican cartels with cocaine)
Valle de Colombia Cartel
-Colombian cocaine trafficking group
-One of the most active Cartels in Colombia
-Is responsible for bringing much of the cocaine from South America to Mexico
FARC
-Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
-Ties to communist Cuba, Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, the ETA of Spain, and other Marxist movements
-Aligned with the remnants of the Tijuana Cartel and the Juarez Cartel for cocaine shipments
-Claims to only supply drugs to support their political movement
-Known for high profile kidnappings
Rastrojos
-Colombian cocaine trafficking group
-Partners with the Sinaloa Cartel and the Juarez Cartel for cocaine supplies
-Ariel routes from Eastern Colombia and Southwestern Venezuela for shipments
-Sea routes from the Pacific Coast of Colombia
-Former members of Norte de Valle who are partnered with Ejercito Revolucionario Popular Antiterrorista Colombiano. (Led by Pedro Oliveiro “Cuchillo” Guerrero and Daniel “El Loco” Barrera
Urabenos
-Colombian cocaine trafficking group
-Remaining members of army members of the AUC
-Positioned along the Panama border
-Aligned with the Gulf Cartel for cocaine trafficking
Los Paisas
-Colombian cocaine trafficking group
-3rd generation Medellin based group
-Beltran-Leyva organization in Mexico is a major cocaine buyer from the group
CENTRAL AMERICAN DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS & GANGS
(these groups transit drugs north, cash south, and weapons both ways. They also provide other services for Mexican and Colombian groups)
Mara Salvatrucha – MS -13
-Central American/ Los Angeles street gang
-They have been known to be employed in Southern Mexico, and in the United States to carry out hits, as well as move large amounts of drugs onto the streets by cartels
-They are involved in human smuggling into Mexico from Central America.
-They also share drug distribution and smuggling into Mexico and Central America
Barrio 18 ( M-18)
-Central American / Los Angeles street gang
-Began as a Mexican and Mexican American street gang in LA
-Now more prominent in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala
-Bitter rivals of MS-13
-Ties with the Los Zetas and Sinaloa Cartel are suspected
El Perrones
-El Salvador drug trafficking organization
-Transit drugs from Panama to Guatemala
-Most prominent Salvadorian trafficking group
Texis Cartel
-El Salvador based drug trafficking organization
-Leaders are prominent and respected businessmen
-Profit off of controlling drug transit routes
El Mendozas
-Guatemalan drug and contraband trafficking organization
-Believed to have brought the Los Zetas into Guatemala as hired guns
-Highly connected to Guatemalan government
-Many members are believed to have fled to Belize
El Lorenzanas
-Guatemalan drug and contraband trafficking organization
-Ties to the Sinaloa Cartel
-Many members believed to be in Belize
El Leones
-Guatemalan drug trafficking organization
-Former cattle rustlers and car thieves
-The group was attacked by the Los Zetas in 2008
-Their territory is now believed to be run by the Zetas
MEXICAN & US STREET GANGS (These groups supply drugs from Mexico/Colombia to the streets, as well as fight in the streets for aligned cartels. MS-13 and M-18 belong to this group as well)
La Linea
-Mexican drug trafficking group
-The armed force employed by the Juarez Cartel
-Responsible for much of the blood shed and drug smuggling activity on a daily basis
-The leader was recently apprehended and has admitted to ordering over 1500 murders in the Juarez area
-Responsible for much of the violence in the Juarez area
-Recently threatened US government employees in MexicoMano Con Ojos
-Mexico City based gang
-A break-away group from the demised Beltran-Leyva Cartel
-The group has brought violence to the Mexico City metro that has not been seen
-The gang is fighting for rising control of drug sales in Mexico City
Barrio Azteca
-A street gang formed in El Paso, Texas. It now operates on both sides of the border.
-Mexican and Mexican-American gang
-In Mexico generally known as the Aztecas
-Are alligned with the Juarez Cartel and fighting the Mexicles and Artistas Asesinos
-They have been known to carry out contract hits for cartels on both sides of the border as well as moving large amounts of drugs
Mexicles
-Originates as a Texas prison gang
-Mexican and Mexican-American gang
-Declared war on the Barrio Azteca in 1999.
-Their war with the Barrio Azteca made them good candidates for the Sinaloa to hire them as hit men and grunts for the war against the Juarez cartel.
Artistas Asesinos
-Juarez street gang
-Aligned with the Sinaloa Cartel
-Used for day to day violence and drug distribution
-Also known as Los Doble A
The Mexican Mafia
-Also known as La Eme
-Mexican and Mexican-American gang
-They historically are known to be tied with the Tijuana Cartel.
-They have performed hits on both sides of the border for the Tijuana cartel, as well as moving large amounts of drugs onto the streets