Drug cartels

Drug cartels are groups or networks of individuals involved in the illegal production and distribution of drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana. The term is most often used to refer to those organizations that engage in illicit activities throughout multiple countries.

History

The origins of drug cartels can be traced back to the late 19th century when opium dens were set up by Chinese immigrants looking for economic opportunities in Mexico and South America. As these operations grew more sophisticated, so did their methods for smuggling contraband into other nations. Eventually organized crime syndicates began taking control over lucrative routes leading north from Latin American countries like Colombia, Peru and Guatemala with an eye on expanding their influence as far away as Europe and Asia.

Structure & Organization
Drug cartels operate much like legitimate businesses but are characterized by extreme violence which is usually inflicted upon rival gangs or government forces who attempt to crack down on them. Cartels generally have hierarchical structures with a leader giving orders at the top followed by lieutenants responsible for executing plans within individual regions or cities where they operate (sometimes referred to as plazas). Generally speaking cartel members work together collaboratively although there has been some instances where factions split off due political disputes between leaders resulting violent feuds among rivals known commonly as “turf wars”.

Most drug traffickers rely heavily on bribes paid out both domestically (to local police) and internationally (border patrols etc.) in order secure safe passage across borders while avoiding detection from authorities . In addition many large-scale dealers also utilize private security firms help protect shipments/warehouses containing valuable merchandise – though this practice has become increasingly difficult given advances surveillance technology employed law enforcement agencies worldwide today..

Impact On Society
In recent years drug trafficking has had a devastating effect communities around globe causing rampant addiction rates skyrocketing murder rate increase poverty levels due associated criminal activity related it’s proliferation These issues tend especially pronounced developing nations lacking resources combat problem effectively however developed world not immune negative impacts either particularly United States whose citizens consume approximately 25% global narcotics supply according National Institute Drug Abuse 2016 report… Despite efforts governments eradicate trade remains highly profitable business estimated generate $400 billion annually proceeds which largely reinvested continue perpetuate cycle corruption brutality ultimately leads human suffering death countless innocent people caught crosshairs warring factions….