NCJ Number
191384
Date Published
2001
Length
81 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the organization and activities of the entities known generally as the Mexican drug cartels and the socioeconomic and political culture in which they operate; possible future activities of these organizations are discussed as well.
Abstract
Operating in a country with weak democratic traditions and a fragile economy that is highly dependent upon the drug trade and external funding, the Mexican drug cartels pose a current and continuing threat to Mexican society that will not disappear any time soon. Rather, the drug cartels are apparently deeply embedded in the current Mexican socio-political, economic scene. The Mexican cartels have emerged as formidable enemies and have the potential to challenge the sovereignty of the Mexican state. The impact of the Mexican drug cartel is also felt in the United States, as many U.S. officials are now labeling the Mexican drug cartels as one of the major challenges facing U.S. law enforcement in the 21st century. After critiquing Mexican-American policy for combating the Mexican drug cartels, this paper offers 11 recommendations for countering the cartels. Some of the recommendations are as follows: political corruption must be eliminated; develop a multi-party political system in countries that lack such an arrangement; cultivate law enforcement coordination and cooperation throughout the international community; and illegal markets must be made unprofitable, primarily on the demand side, particularly in the United States. 17 notes, 100 references, and a subject index