4. Colombian Cocaine’s Arrival in the 1980s
In the 1980s, Colombian cartels began using Mexico as the primary transshipment point for cocaine destined for the U.S. market. This shift was prompted by increased law enforcement in the Caribbean and South Florida, leading Colombian traffickers to seek alternative routes. Mexican groups, adept at smuggling, capitalized on this opportunity, establishing themselves as essential intermediaries. They not only facilitated the movement of cocaine but also secured significant profits and influence in the burgeoning drug trade. (foreignaffairs.com)
