War on Drugs

War on Drugs

Introduction

War on drugs means to make an effort for limiting or eradicating altogether, the production, distribution and selling of illegal psychoactive substances. The war on drugs is being fought in around 63 countries including Mexico, USA, Brazil, Colombia, etc. Our topic of discussion here is the war on drugs in Mexico and how it is affecting the criminal justice system.

Discussion

The security crisis in Mexico has worsened due to the explosive clashes and territorial disputes between different DTOs (Drug Trafficking Organizations) that has killed more than thirty five thousand people since December 2006. The violence is limited to certain areas of the country but it is now spreading and targeting a number of people including government officials, police officers, journalists, and other individuals who are not even related to the drug trade. That is why the Mexican government has labelled this war on drugs as its first priority issue to resolve and has also involved the military to help the country's weak police and other judicial institutions. There are very few people in Mexico who feel safer today than they did around ten years ago, and most of them even feel that the government is losing this fight. (Robinson & Scherien, 2007). 

The country's organized crime groups are not a threat to Mexico alone, but also to the United States of America and neighbouring countries as well. The strategy that they use is often similar to that of terrorists and insurgents, but their aim is seeking profits rather than political motivation. Although the Mexican state has democratic legitimacy and a firm hold on the vast majority of Mexican territory, some drug trafficking organizations exploit antigovernment sentiments and have taken over control of some limited geographical areas. They have also corrupted government officials at all levels (Schaffer, 1996).

Drug Cartels in Mexico

The Mexican drug organizations have been trafficking marijuana and heroin for decades. During the 1990s, they came into the cocaine market. Mexico's 2000 mile border with the United States, most of which is 9n the isolated rural areas, makes it very easy to smuggle drugs across the American border. Also, daily legitimate commerce between the two countries also makes it very easy to smuggle drugs.

During 1980s, the Mexican groups who dealt in drugs were the transshipment agents for Colombian organizations. By around 1990s, they were paid around fifty percent for each of those shipments, which later allowed them to come into wholesale cocaine business. By around 1995, these Mexican cartels dominated the wholesale market of cocaine in the Midwestern and western United States.

These Mexican cartels are formed into groups and have a chain of command emanating from Mexico. These cartels have their agents working throughout the United States who manage their daily activities. Two third of the cocaine, that is distributed in the United States, is shipped from Mexico. This cocaine comes into Mexico from Colombia by boat or by air and then is transported by truck in Juarez and Guadalajara. From these points, the drug is driven into the ...