Dangerous Addictions Mexico’s Struggle with Drug Cartels Irene Anibogwu, Casey Crouse, Brandon Hopkins, Kate Milliken PL SC 003U September 30, 2011

Five severed human heads were found near an elementary school in Acapulco, Mexico, an area where some schools had already canceled classes because of lack of security.FULL STORY

Rise of the Drug Cartels Ongoing conflict amongst rival cartels who fight for regional control and the government who seek to stop drug trafficking Geographic location always made Mexico a valuable center for transportation of narcotics. Cartels have become more powerful since the demise of the Colombian Cartels in the 1990’s Wholesale earnings from drugs range from 13- 48 billion dollars.

Rise of the Drug Cartels Origins of the Drug Cartels Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo (El Padrino) Smuggling opium and marijuana into U.S borders Connections made him point man for Pablo Escobar. Privatized the Mexican Drug business. Arrested on April 8 1989 Gulf Cartel: oldest organized crime group now operating (1970-present)

The War on Drugs: 2006-Present Rise of the Drug Cartels The War on Drugs: 2006-Present 2006 December 1: Felipe Calderon assumes office and declares war on drug traffickers Operation Michoacana is launched against La Familia Michoacana cartel 2007 Popular singer Sergio Gómez is kidnapped and killed Entire police force in Baja California stripped of weapons due to suspicion of collaboration with cartels. Drug related death reached 2,477 2008 Death Toll: 6,290 2009 Death Toll: 7,724 2010 Estimated Death Rate: 15,000

Operation of the Drug Cartels Each cartel has its own territory in Mexico Fight/Kill to gain territories Most influential are those along the Rio Grande

Operation of the Drug Cartels Highest Level Cartels Sinaloa Most powerful cartel in Mexico today Proximity to border Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Others: Pacific Cartel Knights Templar Zetas Role of Drug Lords Set prices Track shipments Manage employment Handle pay-offs

[ [ Operation of the Drug Cartels Use of Violence to Protect Territory Over 34,000 deaths since 2007 Kidnappings and hostage situations [ [ “There are no codes. There are no boundaries. There are no limits. There is a high degree of impunity. That’s the big worry of all of us that live in Mexico. There were limits in the past; now there are no limits.” -Security Consultant Carlos Seoane, on kidnappings by drug cartels.

Factors Driving Mexico’s Drug Policy The Government’s War on Drugs Factors Driving Mexico’s Drug Policy Government corruption Ranked 2nd most corrupt police force in the world Many upper level officials have faced corruption charges U.S. pressure to curb the illegal drug trade Vast crime and violence from the drug cartels Voter dissatisfaction triggered by the violence

Government combating police corruption The Government’s War on Drugs Government combating police corruption August 2010: Mexico fired 10% of federal police force. The anti-cartel operations begun by President Calderón in December 2006 included ballistic checks of police weapons Proposed creation of a national criminal database and a department to oversee coordination among police forces and anti-corruption efforts.  An extra 1,800 federal agents sent into battle with drug cartels

[ [ Mexico’s fight against drug cartels The Government’s War on Drugs "This is not 'the government's war against drugs,' but the fight of all Mexicans to build an authentic security, based on the rule of law and justice.” -National Security Spokesman Alejandro Poire The Government’s War on Drugs Mexico’s fight against drug cartels December 2006: roughly 36,000 troops deployed to work with the federal police in nine states. 2008 constitutional reform that will merge the Federal Preventive Police (PFP) and the Federal Agency of Investigation (AFI),.  Recently, Calderon's administration ordered troops and federal police to a Gulf coast state where gunmen dumped 35 bound bodies on a busy avenue.

Effectiveness of Mexico’s anti-drug Policies. The Government’s War on Drugs Effectiveness of Mexico’s anti-drug Policies. Since Calderon’s hard nosed approach violence has been on the rise along with targeting of high level government officials. 50,000 dead since the war on drugs campaign has launched. "We're seeing a transition from the gangsterism of traditional hitmen to paramilitary terrorism with guerrilla tactics." --Luis Astorga, a drug trafficking expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico A new survey (September 2011) by Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project finds that fewer than half (45%) of Mexicans say their government is making progress in its campaign against drug cartels.

Different Approaches to the Situation PRI Handled the Situation Differently… Corruption and bribery on every level of government—kickbacks. Strict rules for the cartels. Crime and corruption, but violence kept off the streets Different Approaches to the Situation

Parties and Critics Approach the Situation Calderon maintains his stance Shares the blame with U.S. Innumerable Criticisms Called for confidence exams Mexican Opinion: 45% Making progress 29% Losing ground 25% No change (Pew Research Center) 83% Continue to support use of Mexican army to fight drug traffickers.

Alternative Proposals: Parties and Critics Approach the Situation Monterrey attacks; August 26, 2011 Alternative Proposals: Legalization of Marijuana Cartels’ greatest source of income Analysts suggest as best solution Attack as a business, not just a crime. Encourages other forms of crime? Truce or Accomodation Negotiate a ceasefire with cartels, most likely call for an amnesty law Complications of fracturing Fox, 2011, following the Monterrey attacks

2012 Presidential Elections

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/09/28/holmes-mexican-drug-war.cnn?iref=videosearch

How do you think the Mexican government should handle the situation? What do you think the average Mexican citizen could do to influence the current war on drugs or the government’s policies on it? Consider the role of the drug trade in the Mexican economy. Does this create a conflict of interests for those in the government and in other positions of power? Theoretically, is it possible to completely halt the drug trade in Mexico?