Research Paper The History of Mexican Drug Cartels

This research paper touches upon one of the most important issues both in the USA and in Mexico ”“ Mexican Drug Cartels which represent a threat to all the people in the world. The paper discusses the history of formation of drug cartels, their structure. It also analyzes the effects which have been caused by the cartels in both side of the border and the policies of both governments concerning the cartels. Moreover, the paper represents the measures which should be taken to reduce the power of the Mexican drug cartels. In conclusion of the research paper, the main ideas are summarized.

Key words: Mexican drug cartels, narcotic industry
Table of Contents
1 Introduction…………………………..1
1.1 Background of the problem…………1
1.2 Significance of the study…………1
1.3 Definition of terms………………2
2 Discussion themes………………………2
2.1 Some facts from the history of drug
cartels…………………………….2
2.2 Rank structure and organization of
drug cartels………………………..2
2.3 The most prevailing drug cartels…..3
2.4 The policy of Mexican government in
dealing with cartels…………………4
2.5 The policy of US government in
dealing with cartels…………………4
2.6 The major measures to reduce the power
of the Mexican Drug cartels…………..4
3 Conclusion…………………………….5
4 References…………………………….5

 
1 Introduction
It is known that Mexico is a country which is engaged in drug production and drug transition. Mexico is considered to be the major supplier of such narcotic drugs as marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine to the USA. Moreover, violence which is spread in the border region exerts influence on the population of the United States that lives in dread of drug wars. A lot of Americans among which are journalists, state authorities and mere citizens have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican drug cartels. (Cook, 2007, p.1)
That is why this issue requires certain actions to be taken by both the US government and the government of Mexico.
At present moment, there is obvious inability to contain the drug cartels on the part of the US government and Mexico’s government.

1.1 Background of the problem
According to the historical data, Mexico has always been a center of production and transshipment of narcotics. Many illegal immigrants transported narcotics to the markets of the United States from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, South America and other countries. Drug cartels which are located in Mexico control about 70% of narcotics which are transported to the Unites States from all over the world. (Potter G & Potter K., 2004, p.7)

1.2 Significance of the Study
This research paper discusses a very important current issue because the Mexican drug cartels cause great damage to the population of both the United States and Mexico. Narcotics not only destroy the life of people but also influence the economic and political situation of both countries.

1.3 Definition of terms
Drug cartels are illegal organizations which are engaged in promotion and control of all the drug trafficking operations which take place on a certain territory of the country.
According to special agreements which were concluded between different drug traffickers, these drug cartels form commercial enterprises. Today the term drug cartels refers to any organization which is engaged in the narcotics business.
Nowadays drug cartels can be found not only in Mexico but also in Colombia, South Asia, Brazil and other countries.

2 Discussion themes
In order to analyze the situation and to make some conclusions, it is necessary to represent a detailed information concerning the Mexican drug cartels.

2.1 Some facts from the history of drug cartels
The formation of Mexican drug cartels is connected with the name of the former police agent Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo who had the greatest power in Mexico in 1980s. He controlled all the illegal operations connected with the drug trade. His territory was US-Mexican border line. He was called the Godfather. It is also known that he was engaged in the transportation of marijuana and opium to the United States. (Hunson, 2008, p.2)