El Mencho and the Jalisco Cartel's Rise

This chapter explores the ascent of El Mencho, a pivotal figure in Mexico's drug trafficking scene, tracing his journey from a migrant in the U.S. to a notorious leader within the Jalisco cartel. It examines the cartel's aggressive expansion tactics, including a dangerous shift to synthetic drugs and escalating violence against both rivals and civilians. Additionally, the chapter critiques the effectiveness of government strategies in combating cartel influence, questioning the viability of current approaches amid ongoing turmoil.