9. Diversification of Cartel Activities
Mexican drug cartels have expanded their illicit operations beyond drug trafficking to include activities such as kidnapping, oil theft, migrant trafficking, and extortion. This diversification has significantly increased their revenues and influence. For instance, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has been involved in fuel theft, leading to substantial financial losses for the Mexican government. Additionally, cartels have targeted migrants for extortion, kidnapping, and human smuggling, exploiting vulnerable populations for profit. (axios.com)
