In the United States, the production and trafficking of drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine are led by two major criminal organizations with origins in Mexico: the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to the DEA’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, both cartels have established themselves as leaders in the market, managing to eliminate any type of competition in the North American nation.
Both the organization of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes “El Mencho” and the one founded by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán have a presence in all states of the United States, and use transporters, officials and companies for the success of their criminal operations.
However, they have also sought ways to extend their reach on social media, since, according to a DEA report, they are trying to reach their niche market with these: consumers of synthetic substances.
Social platforms are the ideal place for drug traffickers to advertise and sell illicit drugs, and where, through a language of codes or emoticons, information is provided about the availability of drugs and customers express their interest in buying them. Likewise, photos, prices and locations of sales points are published.
On the other hand, social networks are the means to arrange deliveries through travel applications; their messaging service – open or encrypted – allows direct communication with partners and consumers. However, the use of these media by organized crime is not limited to the sale of narcotics, but it is also through these that the recruitment of new members into the ranks of criminal groups is achieved.
In addition, the National Drug Threat Assessment 2024 detailed that criminal rivals are intimidated or threatened through platforms and applications.
“Social media drives much of the drug trade off the streets, shielding traffickers from the attention of law enforcement,” he says.
The CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel are designated by the DEA as the most dangerous organizations and responsible for the worst drug crisis in U.S. history. The profitability of the fentanyl and methamphetamine market is due to the low cost of large-scale production.
“The crystal methamphetamine sold by the cartels is more potent and cheaper than at any time in the last decade,” he says.
Source: infobae
