In 2024,Mexico witnessed meaningful developments in its ongoing battle against organized crime,particularly in the realm of drug trafficking. New criminal cells have emerged, raising concerns among authorities despite their lack of national consolidation. The recent presidential elections saw Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo take office, promising a revamped security strategy aimed at tackling thes violent organizations. Under the leadership of Omar García Harfuch, head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, the government is set to implement a complete security plan in the first 100 days of her governance, as highlighted by a recent report from the Michoacán State Human Rights Commission. This evolving landscape underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat the rising tide of violence linked to these emerging cartels.A new geographical depiction of drug trafficking in Mexico has been unveiled by the federal government, highlighting the operations of ten regional cartels across the nation. This initiative, spearheaded by President Claudia Sheinbaum, draws on data from the Secretariat of National Defence and the Secretariat of the Navy, and compares findings with the 2019-2020 Criminal Map created by Lantia Intelligence. The map identifies key areas of cartel influence, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, which is active in states such as Baja California and Chihuahua. This comprehensive analysis aims to enhance public awareness and inform security strategies in the ongoing battle against organized crime.The Sinaloa Cartel, also known as the Pacific Cartel, is reportedly losing ground in several Mexican states, according to a recent report by Lantia Intelligence. While the cartel maintains a presence in Sonora through various factions such as Los Pelones and Los Cazadores, it has ceased operations in ten othre states, including Coahuila and Nuevo León. Experts in narcotrafficking suggest that the internal conflict between rival factions, Los Chapitos and Los Mayos, has significantly weakened the organization, especially following the recent arrest of key leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the United States.This ongoing power struggle could reshape the landscape of drug trafficking in Mexico, raising concerns about the future of cartel operations across the country.In a significant growth within Mexico’s drug trafficking landscape, reports suggest that the criminal group known as Los Menores is seeking an alliance with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) to form a new faction called Fuerzas Especiales Unión (FEU). This coalition aims to bolster the influence of El Chapo Guzmán’s sons in their ongoing conflict against rival Ismael Zambada Sicairos, also known as El Mayito Flaco. While these claims have yet to be officially confirmed, the CJNG continues to dominate territories across multiple states, including Jalisco and Guanajuato, outpacing the Sinaloa Cartel in regional control. The evolving dynamics among these powerful cartels highlight the ongoing challenges in Mexico’s fight against organized crime.The landscape of drug cartels in Mexico is rapidly evolving, with the emergence of new factions and alliances reshaping power dynamics across the country. The Northeast Cartel has solidified its control over Tamaulipas,while the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel continues to assert its influence in Guanajuato,alongside the New Plaza Cartel,a splinter group of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Notably, the CJNG has forged new partnerships, leading to the rise of the Michoacán new generation Cartel and the Tabasco New Generation Cartel, both of which are expanding their reach. Additionally, the Chiapas-Guatemala Cartel has emerged along the southern border, formed by defectors from the CJNG and local hitmen, highlighting the ongoing volatility and complexity of cartel operations in Mexico.In a significant move to enhance user engagement, Facebook has rolled out new tracking features aimed at improving advertisers’ ability to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns. The updated tools, which include advanced event tracking capabilities, allow businesses to gain deeper insights into user interactions on their websites.This development comes as part of Facebook’s ongoing efforts to provide marketers with robust analytics, enabling them to optimize their strategies and drive better results. As digital advertising continues to evolve, these enhancements are expected to play a crucial role in helping brands connect more effectively with their target audiences.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this timely discussion about the recent developments in MexicoS struggle against organized crime and drug trafficking. Joining us today is Dr. Luis Hernandez, a seasoned expert in criminal justice and Mexican drug policy. Dr. Hernandez, it’s great to have you here.
Dr. luis Hernandez: Thank you for having me.I’m excited to delve into this pressing issue.
Editor: Let’s start with the election of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as president.She promised a revamped security strategy. How significant do you think her approach will be in addressing the ongoing violence associated with organized crime?
Dr. Hernandez: Claudia Sheinbaum’s election represents a pivotal moment for Mexico. Her commitment to reform is critical, especially given the fragmented landscape of newly emerged criminal cells. by prioritizing a complete security plan within her first 100 days, she aims to not only confront these violent organizations but also to establish a clearer direction for security forces to follow.
Editor: That’s certainly a promising step, but there are reports of new criminal factions sprouting up. How do you see this affecting the overall strategy?
Dr. Hernandez: It complicates things considerably. While the emergence of new cartels is concerning, their lack of national consolidation might play to the advantage of the government.If Sheinbaum’s governance can effectively leverage the intelligence presented in the new geographical depiction of drug trafficking—which identifies ten regional cartels—it may be possible to target these groups more precisely and with greater impact.
Editor: Are you optimistic about the government’s ability to implement this complete security plan? What specific challenges do you foresee?
Dr. Hernandez: Optimism tempered with caution is necessary. The challenges include not only the density of organized crime itself but also the political will and resources to execute these strategies effectively. Ancient corruption within law enforcement and local governments can undermine these efforts unless Sheinbaum’s administration addresses it head-on.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. The recent report from the Michoacán State Human Rights commission highlights ongoing issues with human rights in the fight against drug trafficking.What recommendations would you give to ensure that human rights are upheld?
Dr. Hernandez: A balanced approach is essential.The government needs to ensure that military and police operations adhere to human rights protocols. Implementing extensive training on human rights for law enforcement and establishing civilian oversight can help mitigate abuses. Moreover, engaging communities in the security strategy can foster trust and provide valuable intelligence that doesn’t rely on heavy-handed tactics.
Editor: It sounds like community engagement is vital. Speaking of which, how do social programs fit into this security strategy?
Dr. Hernandez: They are essential. addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities, is just as crucial as tackling the cartels directly. By investing in social programs, particularly in regions most affected by drug violence, the administration can cut the supply of recruits to these criminal organizations.
Editor: those are insightful recommendations, Dr. Hernandez. As we watch how Sheinbaum’s government tackles this ongoing issue, what message would you like to send to international observers who may be following Mexico’s developments?
Dr. Hernandez: I would encourage international observers to engage critically but supportively.Mexico’s journey requires collaborative efforts; addressing drug trafficking isn’t just a domestic issue. International collaboration—whether through intelligence-sharing, economic support, or tackling the demand side in consumer countries—is essential. Only through a concerted effort can we hope to see lasting change.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hernandez, for sharing yoru expertise and insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that addressing organized crime in Mexico will require a multifaceted approach, combining enforcement, community engagement, and social reform.We look forward to seeing how the new administration navigates these challenges.
Dr. Hernandez: Thank you for having me. I hope for a positive outcome as well. It’s a critical time for Mexico.