2. U.S. Prohibition and its Impact
During the 1920s U.S. alcohol prohibition, Mexican criminal groups began smuggling liquor across the border, establishing smuggling routes that would later be repurposed for narcotics trafficking. This period laid the groundwork for the development of organized crime syndicates in Mexico, setting the stage for the rise of drug cartels in subsequent decades. The illicit trade routes established during this time became crucial for the transportation of various contraband items, including narcotics. (nytimes.com)
