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This new generation cartel has allied itself with this venerable figure to control critical drug trafficking routes, especially the notorious corridor through Tijuana into California. The recent theft of a large cocaine shipment—an incident that sparked targeted violence—has exemplified their assertive move to dominate the region.
The cartel has also showcased capabilities reminiscent of conflicts in Sinaloa and Jalisco, deploying drones that carry pipe-bomb-like payloads as part of their operational arsenal. This new weaponization trend suggests an ongoing technological arms race that includes not only drones but also advanced support weaponry, anti-drone systems, and encrypted communication.