Part 2/5:
Historically, cartels like Los Chapitos—an armed faction linked to the Sinaloa cartel—have amassed their wealth through a vast network that heavily relies on American consumers. These consumers form the backbone of their financial pipeline, with the US market consuming the lion’s share of their illicit products.
This relationship creates a powerful incentive for cartels to maintain a delicate balance. They understand that any aggressive move against the US or its citizens could trigger a harsh crackdown — potentially involving US military intervention. Such a scenario would threaten their financial stability and ultimately, their survival.