Part 7/12:
Historical admissions, such as Elmo Zambada’s testimony about paying off Mexican generals and politicians, reveal the depth of infiltration. Over 50 Mexican officials suspected of cartel ties have had visas revoked by American authorities. Moreover, cartels operate beyond drug trafficking—they control sectors like agriculture, forestry, and public services, often providing necessities like housing for impoverished communities. This creates a parallel society that maintains loyalty through economic dependence and violence.