Sinaloa Cartel

The Sinaloa Cartel: A Transnational Organized Crime Syndicate

Imagine a shadowy organization that has been operating in the dark for decades, weaving its web of illegal activities across borders and continents. That’s the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful and notorious drug trafficking organizations in the world. Founded in the late 1960s by Pedro Avilés Pérez, this cartel has evolved into a behemoth that controls much of Mexico’s drug trafficking corridors along the US border.

The Rise and Fall of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo

Under the leadership of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, the cartel controlled much of Mexico’s drug trafficking corridors. However, his arrest in 1989 marked a turning point. Gallardo maintained contact with his organization while incarcerated until he was transferred to a new prison in the early 1990s. This division led to several smaller cartels controlling territories and trafficking corridors, making it less likely for the whole organization to be brought down at once.

The Leadership of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán

Enter Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. Under his leadership, the cartel expanded its operations significantly and diversified its drug portfolio to include cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Despite numerous arrests and seizures, the cartel has continued to operate, employing sophisticated smuggling techniques, including tunnels under the US-Mexico border.

The War Between Sinaloa and Tijuana Cartels

The war between the Sinaloa and Tijuana cartels lasted from 1992 to 2000. Family members of cartel leaders lived in fear, as the conflict raged on. Zambada used this conflict to his advantage, allowing Sinaloa to strengthen its position while the Mexican government cracked down on the Tijuana Cartel.

Operations and Alliances

The Sinaloa Cartel has operations in the Philippines as a trans-shipment point for drugs smuggled into the United States since 2013. It also operates with territorial divisions within states such as Sinaloa, Jalisco, and Chihuahua, controlled by factions like Los Chapitos and Mayo Zambada. Its international presence extends to Latin America, the Anglo-Caribbean region, Canada, the United States (particularly the Southwest, Southern, and Mid-Atlantic), and recently, New Zealand and Australia.

Drug Smuggling Techniques

The cartel is known for its extensive drug tunnel network. The ‘Taj Mahal’ of drug tunnels was discovered in 1993 near the Tijuana airport, while new super tunnels have been found under the runway and adjacent areas. These tunnels are used to move narcotics into the United States.

Collaboration with Other Cartels

The Sinaloa Cartel has traditionally been allied with the Gulf Cartel but their alliance has reportedly fizzled out, with the two groups now battling each other in Zacatecas. The cartel also has alliances with various gangs domestically and internationally, including Crips, Cártel del Noreste, La Nueva Familia Michoacana, and Mexican Mafia.

Collusion with Government Officials

Allegations of collusion between Mexican federal forces and the Sinaloa Cartel have surfaced. Reports claim that the government was helping the cartel take control of the Juarez Valley area and destroy other cartels. Former President Enrique Peña Nieto took a $100 million bribe from El Chapo Guzman’s 2019 US trial, while former Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna was convicted for accepting millions in cash bribes.

Drug Trafficking and Distribution

The Sinaloa Cartel is primarily involved in smuggling and distributing South American cocaine, Mexican marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin into the US. Much of the marijuana grown by the cartel is illegally cultivated in remote areas of California within the US. In recent times, the cartel has shifted its focus away from MDMA and heroin, instead increasing the trafficking of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other high-value ‘hard’ drugs through legal ports of entry.

Global Reach

The Sinaloa Cartel is a major player in the global cocaine trade. Raw fentanyl production and distribution are incredibly profitable due to its low production costs and lack of farming requirements. The cartel has set up large marijuana growing operations in California, reportedly stealing millions of gallons of water for these illegal grows.

Impact on Public Health

The Sinaloa Cartel’s activities have led to corruption of government officials, law enforcement, and military elements in Mexico. Cartels have infiltrated institutions, affecting the credibility of Mexican institutions. The cartel’s operations extend beyond Mexico, impacting Latin America and contributing to drug epidemics, addiction rates, and public health concerns in the US.

The Sinaloa Cartel is a complex and multifaceted organization that has managed to survive for decades despite numerous challenges. Its influence extends far beyond its borders, affecting not only the United States but also countries across Latin America and even as far as New Zealand and Australia. The question remains: can this powerful cartel be brought down, or will it continue to thrive in the shadows?