Mexican Drug Wars

May 4, 2016

Drug cartels have existed in Mexico for decades, but it wasn't until 2006 they started to have conflicts with the military. The Mexican government does not put so much focus on stopping drug trafficking, but stopping drug-related violence. Mexican drug cartels dominate the drug market. Drug dealers often illegaly cross the Mexian-American border to sell drugs. Mexico is often used as a passage way to sell Columbian cocaine to America. 

The number of drug related murders has sharply increased since 2006. The death toll is estimated to be over 120,000. One of the worst examples of drug violence in Mexico was the 2008 Morelia grenade attack, when two grenades were thrown into a crowd of people, causing over 100 casualties. Also, some politicians have been targeted by drug organizations. Drug cartels mainly target local leaders as well as police cheifs, who they believe to pose a threat.

Total earnings from drug sales yearly range from $13.6 billion to $49.4 billion. Manny people join drug cartels because they are poor and it pays very well. Often times, teenagers and young adults will be hired to do smaller tasks, such as watch hostages or make deliveries. The government struggles to create well paying jobs, which is the reason so many people join cartels. In some cities, over 50% of the economy depends on money that's being made illigitimately. Some people also join cartels due to a lack of an education.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Drug_War