The Rise of Drug Trafficking Organizations

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Some estimates reckon that the Cinelloa cartel, one of the most established, maybe makes 40% of its income from drugs still. So these groups want to make more and more money, and they can do it by doing things other than drugs. This is partly because various policies from the Mexican government have encouraged changes that have helped these groups diversify.

In attempts to amass more wealth, these organisations are dabbling in newer narcotics and even taking on the mining sector. The result is taking a toll on the country’s economy. Can a 100-year-old discovery solve the problem of antibiotic resistance? And we celebrate the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s first folio.

For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer