MEXICO CITY (AP) — Unveiling the Jalisco Cartel's Operations

A thorough investigation of a ranch in northern Mexico has unveiled chilling details about the operations of the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most formidable drug trafficking organizations in the country. This clandestine facility was reportedly used by the cartel to groom and train new recruits, shedding light on their increasingly violent tactics and recruitment methods.

Jalisco Cartel's Surge in Power

Since its split from the Sinaloa cartel after the military eliminated high-ranking leader Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel Villarreal in 2010, the Jalisco cartel has surged in power, reportedly boasting a membership that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration estimates at around 19,000. Headquartered in the state of Jalisco, the cartel is now led by the elusive Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, for whom the U.S. government has placed a hefty reward of $15 million for information leading to his capture.

Public Attention and Outrage

Recent events have rekindled public attention on Oseguera, particularly after his image was displayed during a live music festival in Jalisco, sparking outrage from officials including President Claudia Sheinbaum, who condemned the glorification of cartel figures. The Jalisco State Prosecutor's Office has since launched an investigation into the incident, highlighting the cartel's pervasive influence in regional culture.

Recruitment Techniques of the Jalisco Cartel

According to security analyst David Saucedo, the recruitment techniques employed by the Jalisco cartel are both strategic and alarming. Potential recruits are lured through a mix of voluntary sign-ups, targeted recruitment of former law enforcement and military personnel, and even forced enlistments. Authorities have discovered that the cartel utilizes at least 60 fake social media pages to entice individuals with false promises of high-paying security jobs, a tactic that leads many to unsuspectingly enter the cartel's ranks.

Survivor Accounts of Abduction and Training

One survivor from the ranch revealed harrowing details of his experience, alleging that recruits were abducted under false pretenses at bus stations and transported to the ranch for military-style training. This included weapon handling and physical conditioning, and those who attempted to resist were met with brutal violence, including beatings and executions.

Structure and Reach of the Jalisco Cartel

The cartel's hierarchical structure is notably vertical, with El Mencho at the pinnacle, supported by regional commanders overseeing various drug trafficking and production zones. The DEA indicates the Jalisco cartel's reach extends to 21 of Mexico’s 32 states, potentially reaching as many as 25, far surpassing its main rival, the Sinaloa cartel, which controls just 19. Furthermore, the cartel has established a footprint in approximately 100 countries worldwide, further complicating global drug enforcement efforts.

Taking Over Sinaloa Territories

Remarkably, the Jalisco cartel has managed to take over territories once dominated by the Sinaloa cartel, capitalizing on the latter's recent internal strife following the arrests of notorious leaders, including Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, currently serving a life sentence in the U.S. Analysts suggest that the rapid rise of Jalisco can be attributed to its ruthless nature, an irregular warfare approach, and its embrace of lucrative drug revenue streams like fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.

Collusion and Impunity

Adding to its sinister operations is the Jalisco cartel’s interplay with local authorities. The ranch investigation exemplifies their ability to function with impunity within territories they control, aided by collusion with certain law enforcement officials. Alarmingly, the ranch remained undisturbed until families of missing individuals uncovered disturbing evidence, including clothing and bone fragments, prompting a response from the authorities. Following this, three local police officers faced arrest due to their alleged involvement in related disappearances.

The Cycle of Violence and Corruption

"The Jalisco cartel's connections with local governments serve as a testament to how organized crime can thrive under the guise of legitimacy," noted researcher Carlos Flores. "Such arrangements not only allow them to eliminate rivals but also perpetuate a cycle of violence that undermines regional stability."

Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle

As Mexico grapples with the complexities of cartel violence and corruption, the investigation into the ranch serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against not just drug trafficking but the underlying social and political factors that enable such organizations to flourish. The fight for safety and justice in Mexico continues, with citizens and authorities alike demanding accountability for those who fuel this insidious cycle of terror.