Mexican Drug Cartels Expand Operations to Australia and Beyond

Mexican drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, have been expanding their global reach in recent years, establishing a presence in countries as far-flung as Ecuador, Costa Rica, and now Australia. These powerful criminal organizations have leveraged their sophisticated drug trafficking networks and alliances with local gangs to gain a foothold in new markets, leading to a surge in violence and drug-related crime.

In Ecuador, the cartels have turned the country into a major hub for cocaine shipments destined for Europe, working with local gangs like the Choneros and Lobos to guard and transport drug shipments. This has contributed to a skyrocketing homicide rate, from 6 per 100,000 in 2016 to around 40 per 100,000 in 2023. The Ecuadorian government has recently designated 20 drug trafficking gangs as terrorist groups and authorized the military to neutralize them in an effort to regain control.

The cartels have also made inroads in Costa Rica, a country once known for its stability and low crime rates. The influence of Mexican drug cartels and gangs and increased cocaine output in Colombia have pushed the national homicide rate to record levels, with over 70% of killings attributed to drug trafficking. The violence has become so severe that Netflix is reportedly spending $1 million to protect TV presenter Holly Willoughby and her co-host Bear Grylls while they film a new expedition show in the country.

Why this matters: The global expansion of Mexican drug cartels poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and governments worldwide. As these criminal organizations gain a foothold in new markets, they bring with them a wave of violence, corruption, and drug addiction that can destabilize entire regions and undermine the rule of law.

In Australia, authorities have reported the presence of both the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, which are seeking to capitalize on the country's lucrative drug market. The cartels are using sophisticated methods to traffic drugs, including encrypted communication and dark web platforms, making it difficult for law enforcement to track their activities.

Meanwhile, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, who is serving a life sentence in a maximum-security U.S. prison, has complained about being denied phone calls and visits with his twin daughters. Guzmán's wife, Emma Coronel, was recently released from prison after serving over two and a half years for her involvement in the cartel, but must prove she has no connection to the organization for the next four years before she can potentially visit him.

Key Takeaways

• Mexican drug cartels expanding globally, including to Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Australia
• Cartels leveraging drug trafficking networks and alliances with local gangs to gain new markets
• Cartel expansion leading to surge in violence, homicides, and drug-related crime in affected regions
• Cartels using sophisticated methods like encrypted communication and dark web to evade law enforcement
• Increased international cooperation needed to address the global reach of Mexican drug cartels