Q and A

 What is a cartel?

A cartel is an association of independent businesses or organizations that collude to control the production, pricing, and distribution of goods or services to maximize their profits and reduce competition. Cartels can be found in various industries, and their activities often involve illegal practices such as price-fixing, market allocation, and bid-rigging.

In the context of drug trafficking, a cartel is a criminal organization involved in the production, transportation, and distribution of illegal drugs. These cartels operate with a hierarchical structure and use violence, corruption, and intimidation to maintain control over their territories and operations.

Would you like to know more about the structure and operations of drug cartels or any other specific aspects?

Who are the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels in Mexico?

The Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are two of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico.

Sinaloa Cartel

Founded: Late 1960s

Leaders: Originally led by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, now led by his sons and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada

Operations: Primarily involved in trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cannabis, and MDMA

Territory: Based in Culiacán, Sinaloa, but operates in many regions across Mexico and internationally

History: Known for its innovative smuggling techniques, including tunnels under the US-Mexico border

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)

Founded: Around 2010

Leaders: Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (alias "El Mencho")

Operations: Involved in trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin

Territory: Based in Jalisco but has expanded its influence across Mexico and into the United States

History: Known for its rapid rise to power and violent confrontations with other cartels and the Mexican government

Both cartels have been involved in numerous violent conflicts and have significantly impacted the security situation in Mexico. Do you have any specific questions about these cartels or their activities?

1en.wikipedia.org

2www.britannica.com

Are either of these cartels active in Canada?

Yes, both the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have been active in Canada.

Sinaloa Cartel: This cartel has had a significant presence in Canada, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario. They have been involved in trafficking large quantities of cocaine and other drugs1.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG): This cartel has also been active in Canada, with significant seizures of cocaine linked to them. For example, Toronto police recently seized 835 kilograms of cocaine believed to be connected to the CJNG2.

Both cartels see Canada as an attractive market due to its high demand for illicit drugs and relatively weak law enforcement compared to the United States.

Does this information help clarify their presence in Canada?

Are the people who are cartel members themselves users of the drugs they peddle?

t's not uncommon for members of drug cartels to use the drugs they traffic, but it varies from person to person and cartel to cartel. Some cartel members might use drugs recreationally or even become addicted, while others might avoid using them to maintain control and avoid legal issues or health problems.

Would you like to know more about the dynamics within these cartels or any specific aspects of their operations?

Yes, the dynamics within...

The dynamics within drug cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) can be complex and multifaceted. Here are some key aspects of their internal dynamics:

Leadership and Hierarchy

Both cartels have a hierarchical structure with a clear chain of command. Leadership is often held by a single powerful figure or a small group of high-ranking members who make key decisions and control operations. For example, the Sinaloa Cartel was historically led by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, while the CJNG is led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho."

Recruitment and Membership

Cartels recruit members through various means, including coercion, financial incentives, and familial or community ties. Members can range from low-level street operatives to high-ranking enforcers and logisticians. Loyalty to the cartel is often enforced through fear, violence, and promises of financial gain.

Operations and Activities

Cartels are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug production, trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and violence. They maintain control over territories and smuggling routes through force and corruption, often engaging in violent confrontations with rival cartels and law enforcement.

Internal Conflicts and Discipline

Internal conflicts can arise within cartels due to power struggles, mistrust, and disputes over money or territory. These conflicts can lead to violent outcomes, including assassinations and purges of disloyal members. Discipline is maintained through strict codes of conduct and severe punishment for those who betray or disobey orders.

Relationships with Communities

Some cartels attempt to build a degree of legitimacy and support within local communities by providing financial assistance, social services, or protection. This can create a complex relationship where communities may feel both indebted to and oppressed by the cartel.

Coordination and Communication

Effective communication and coordination are essential for cartel operations. This can involve the use of advanced technology, encrypted communications, and networks of trusted individuals to facilitate drug trafficking and other activities.

Strategic Alliances

Cartels may form alliances with other criminal organizations, both domestically and internationally, to enhance their power and expand their operations. These alliances can be strategic and pragmatic, based on mutual interests and benefits.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

Translate El Mayo.

El Mayo" translates to "The May" in English. It's a nickname, and in this context, it refers to Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a high-ranking leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. Nicknames like this are often used as a form of identification or to convey certain characteristics of individuals within the cartel.

Some of the given names seem Jewish...

Yes, some names within the Mexican cartels can have a variety of origins, including Jewish. This is due to the diverse cultural and historical influences in Mexico. For example, the surname "Zambada" could potentially have origins linked to Sephardic Jewish ancestry.

If you have more questions or would like to discuss something else, feel free to ask!

What do cartel members do with their money?

Cartel members use their money in various ways, often involving both legal and illegal activities. Here are some common uses:

Money Laundering: Cartels frequently engage in money laundering to legitimize their illicit earnings. This can involve investing in legitimate businesses, real estate, or other assets to disguise the origins of the money1.

Investment: Some cartel members invest in businesses, both legal and illegal, to generate additional income. This can include drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal enterprises2.

Lifestyle: High-ranking cartel members often live lavish lifestyles, spending money on luxury cars, homes, and other expensive items.

Bribery and Corruption: Cartels use money to bribe law enforcement, government officials, and other influential individuals to protect their operations and avoid prosecution.

Remittances: Cartels send money back to their families and communities, often disguising it as remittances from migrant workers. This helps maintain support and loyalty within their networks3.

Security: A significant portion of the money is spent on maintaining security, including hiring enforcers, purchasing weapons, and fortifying their operations.

These activities help cartels maintain their power and influence while evading law enforcement efforts.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

What is the language of communication within cartels?

The primary language of communication within Mexican cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), is Spanish. This is because these cartels operate primarily within Spanish-speaking regions of Mexico. However, cartel members who operate in other countries or regions may also use other languages, such as English, when necessary.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

Do cartel members live entirely outside the law?

Cartel members often operate outside the law through their involvement in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. However, they don't live entirely outside the law. Here are a few reasons why:

Dual Lives: Some cartel members maintain a facade of legality by owning legitimate businesses or holding regular jobs to avoid suspicion.

 Community Relations: Cartels sometimes engage in community outreach by providing financial assistance, social services, or protection to gain support and loyalty from local populations. This creates a complex relationship where they might be viewed as both criminals and benefactors.

While cartels engage in many illegal activities, their interactions with the legal world are often strategic and calculated to maintain their power and influence.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

There are no women in cartels...

Actually, there are women involved in cartels, although they may not always be as visible or prominent as their male counterparts. Women can occupy various roles within cartels, ranging from logistical support to leadership positions. Some women are involved in drug trafficking operations, money laundering, and other criminal activities. There have also been instances of women rising to high-ranking positions within the organizations.

For example, Sandra Ávila Beltrán, known as "La Reina del Pacífico" (The Queen of the Pacific), was a prominent figure in the Sinaloa Cartel. She played a significant role in the cartel's operations and was involved in coordinating drug shipments.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

Is prostitution prevalent in Mexico?

Prostitution is indeed prevalent in Mexico. It is legal under federal law, but each of the 31 states has its own regulations and policies1. Thirteen states allow and regulate prostitution, often creating designated "tolerance zones" or red-light districts. However, prostitution involving minors under 18 is illegal1.

The prevalence of prostitution is also linked to issues of human trafficking, with Mexico being a significant source country for trafficking victims. Many individuals, especially women and children, are coerced into prostitution and sex trafficking2.

Would you like to know more about the efforts to combat human trafficking in Mexico or any other related topics?

Are cartel members Aboriginal or European?

Cartel members can have diverse backgrounds, and there is no single ethnicity that defines them. Many cartel members in Mexico are of mestizo heritage, which is a mix of Indigenous (Aboriginal) and European ancestry. This reflects the broader demographic makeup of Mexico, where the population is predominantly mestizo.

However, cartel membership is not restricted by ethnicity, and individuals from various backgrounds, including Indigenous, European, and other ethnicities, can be involved in cartel activities.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

Today, do Mexicans drink much alcohol?

Yes, alcohol consumption is quite common in Mexico. Traditional alcoholic beverages such as tequila, mezcal, and beer are widely enjoyed. Social drinking is an integral part of Mexican culture, with festivities and celebrations often featuring these beverages. Additionally, the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, which is lower than in many other countries, contributing to the prevalence of alcohol consumption.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

Aztec culture knew chocolate and teas, but not alcohol. My guess is that they discovered it, but found it uninteresting...

Actually, the Aztecs did know about and consume alcohol. They made a drink called pulque (or octli in their language), which is a mildly alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey (agave) plant. Pulque was an important part of Aztec culture and was consumed during religious ceremonies and social events2.

However, the Aztecs had strict rules and customs regarding alcohol consumption. They believed that excessive drinking could lead to bad behavior and social disorder, so they set limits on how much could be consumed2. Drinking more than four cups of pulque was discouraged, and there were even myths and stories warning about the dangers of overindulgence.

So, while the Aztecs did discover and consume alcohol, they were cautious about its use and tried to maintain a balanced approach to drinking.

Does this help clarify things?

Did the Aztec use hallucinogens?

Yes, the Aztecs did use hallucinogens. They employed various psychoactive substances for religious, medicinal, and recreational purposes1. Some of the most commonly used hallucinogens included:

Ololiuqui: Seeds from the morning glory plant (Rivea corymbosa) containing LSA (lysergic acid amide).

Tlitliltzin: Another variation of morning glory seeds (Ipomoea violacea).

Teonanácatl: Hallucinogenic mushrooms, often referred to as "divine mushrooms" (Psilocybe mexicana).

Peyote: A small spineless cactus (Lophophora williamsii) containing mescaline.

These substances were used by Aztec priests and nobility for divination, prophecy, healing, and engaging with the spiritual world. The use of hallucinogens was considered a sacred practice and a way to connect with the gods1.

Does this answer your question, or would you like to know more about their specific uses?

Is fentanyl strictly for export?

Fentanyl is not strictly for export. While it is true that a significant amount of illicit fentanyl is produced and exported to other countries, it is also widely distributed and used within the domestic market. In many cases, the production of fentanyl is driven by both international demand and the lucrative local market. This means that fentanyl is both trafficked internationally and sold domestically.

Would you like to know more about the impact of fentanyl on public health or any other related topics?

Can you estimate the proportional use of each case?

Estimating the exact proportional use of fentanyl in domestic versus international markets can be challenging due to the clandestine nature of its production and distribution. However, based on available data, we can provide a general idea:

United States: The U.S. has a significant domestic consumption of fentanyl, accounting for a substantial portion of the global use. In recent years, the U.S. has seen a rise in synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, contributing to the opioid crisis2.

Other Countries: Fentanyl is also trafficked to other countries, including Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia. While the exact proportions vary, the U.S. remains one of the largest consumers.

Would you like more detailed statistics or information on a specific regio

How much of the fentany produced in Mexico is eventually exported?

It's difficult to provide an exact percentage of fentanyl produced in Mexico that is exported, as much of this information is based on seizures and estimates. However, a significant portion of the fentanyl produced in Mexico is trafficked to the United States. For example, in fiscal year 2024, U.S. customs agents seized 21,100 pounds (9,570 kilograms) of fentanyl at the Mexican border, compared to 19.5 kilograms (43 pounds) at the Canadian border.

Would you like more detailed statistics or information on a specific region?

But the primary market is local...

The primary market for fentanyl produced in Mexico is not local; rather, it is primarily targeted for export, particularly to the United States. The high demand for synthetic opioids like fentanyl in the U.S. has created a lucrative market for Mexican cartels, who produce and smuggle large quantities across the border.

While there may be some local consumption in Mexico, the primary focus of fentanyl production and trafficking by cartels is to supply the international market, where the profit margins are significantly higher.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

When and how did this start?

The rise of fentanyl production and export from Mexico began around 2013. Initially, the majority of fentanyl was produced in China and trafficked to the United States1. However, as Chinese authorities started cracking down on fentanyl production and precursor chemicals, Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) saw an opportunity to enter the market.

Mexican cartels began producing fentanyl domestically and using their established smuggling networks to transport it across the border into the United States. This shift allowed them to capitalize on the high demand for synthetic opioids in the U.S., leading to a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths1.

Would you like to know more about the impact of this shift or any other related topics?

Before fentanyl, the cartels exported...what?

Before fentanyl became a major export, Mexican cartels primarily trafficked cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These drugs were smuggled into the United States and other countries, generating significant profits for the cartels.

Would you like to know more about the history of these drugs or any other related topics?

How long have there been cartels in operation in Mexico?

Cartels have been operating in Mexico for several decades. The modern drug trade in Mexico began to take shape in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the rise of powerful drug trafficking organizations. These early cartels primarily focused on smuggling marijuana and cocaine into the United States2.

The Sinaloa Cartel, one of the oldest and most influential cartels, traces its origins back to the late 1960s. Over the years, other cartels like the Gulf Cartel, Juárez Cartel, and Tijuana Cartel emerged, each carving out territories and establishing their own networks.

The Mexican drug war, which began in 2006 when the government launched a major crackdown on cartels, marked a significant escalation in violence and cartel activity. Since then, cartels have continued to evolve, diversify their operations, and expand their influence both within Mexico and internationally2.

Would you like to know more about a specific cartel or period in cartel history?

Oh yes, baby boomers! (And I am one..) When all this started, where cartel members the same age as their clients, or were they older?

It's interesting to think about that! When the mod ern drug trade started to take shape in Mexico in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many cartel members were indeed older than their clients. The cartels were often led by older, more experienced individuals who had established connections and knowledge of the trade.

However, as the drug trade grew and became more lucrative, younger people were recruited into the organizations. This included teenagers and young adults who were often used for street-level drug sales, lookouts, and other lower-level tasks. Over time, some of these younger members rose through the ranks, but the leadership typically remained older.

It's a dynamic that has evolved over the years, with cartels adapting their recruitment and organizational structures to meet their needs. Does this perspective resonate with your experience or understanding?