The Intelligence from The Economist From Chapo to Mencho: Mexico’s cartels
Aug 18, 2020
Richard Ensor, Mexico correspondent for The Economist, unpacks the chilling rise of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, led by the notorious El Mencho. He discusses the cartel's evolution from traditional drug operations to the distribution of synthetic drugs and the brutal tactics used to expand their control. Nicholas Pelham reflects on Tunisia's political disillusionment ten years after the Arab Spring, where citizens yearn for stability over democracy amid economic woes. Their insights reveal the pressing challenges in both organized crime and fragile democracies.
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El Mencho's Origins
- El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, began his criminal career in the US.
- After being deported to Mexico, he became a police officer before joining a cartel.
Jalisco Cartel's Reach and Operations
- The Jalisco New Generation Cartel operates in almost every Mexican state.
- They traffic synthetic drugs like fentanyl and meth, diversifying into fuel theft, extortion, and kidnapping.
Jalisco Cartel's Ruthlessness
- The Jalisco cartel's violence targets everyone, not just rivals.
- In Veracruz, a nightclub owner who refused to pay extortion had his club burned down, killing 32 people.