How Cartels In Mexico Are Looking To Cut Out The Coca Middle Man (6/18/24)

The Epstein Chronicles

In recent years, Mexican drug cartels have increasingly started to cultivate coca, the plant from which cocaine is derived, within Mexico's borders. This shift marks a significant change in the dynamics of the cocaine supply chain, traditionally dominated by South American countries, particularly Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. The primary reasons and implications for this development are:

1. Diversification and Control: By growing coca in Mexico, cartels can gain more control over the production process, reduce dependency on South American suppliers, and potentially increase profits by managing the entire supply chain from cultivation to distribution.
2. Adaptation to Law Enforcement: Heightened efforts by law enforcement in South America and at international borders have pressured cartels to find alternative methods to sustain their operations. Cultivating coca domestically helps mitigate risks associated with the interdiction of smuggled drugs.
3. Experimental and Pilot Projects: Initial cultivation efforts are often experimental, aimed at understanding the viability of coca growth in Mexican climates and soils. Reports suggest that cartels are testing various regions to identify the best conditions for coca cultivation.
4. Economic Factors: The economic benefits of coca cultivation in Mexico are substantial. By producing cocaine domestically, cartels can lower costs and enhance their ability to compete with South American producers.
5. Impact on Local Communities: The establishment of coca plantations in Mexico can have profound effects on local communities, potentially leading to increased violence, corruption, and economic shifts as cartels assert control over new territories.
6. Environmental Concerns: Coca cultivation can also lead to environmental degradation, including deforestation and soil depletion, as cartels clear land to plant coca.

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source:
DEA: Cartels now growing coca in Mexico | WETM - MyTwinTiers.com
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