Part 7/12:
He underscores that despite the increased manpower, challenges persisted due to the changing modus operandi of illicit organizations, which have evolved into sophisticated enterprises reminiscent of franchise businesses—extorting, trafficking, and diversifying into industries like oil, agriculture, and even real estate.
The Changing Nature of Drug Cartels
Manadas discusses how Mexican cartels have transitioned from simple drug traffickers into multi-commodity conglomerates. He highlights that cartels now operate like franchise chains, spreading into various sectors such as oil theft, extortion, and commodities trafficking—ranging from oil to avocados and even time-share schemes.