Sinaloa Cartel
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In parts of Mexico a drug cartel taxes people, fixes the roads, and settles disputes, acting like the real government.
Who they are
The Sinaloa Cartel, which grew out of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s.
What they do
It is a major criminal organization that controls Mexico's Pacific coast and northern border smuggling routes.
How it works
After boss El Chapo was captured in 2016 and co-founder Mayo Zambada in July 2024, its factions went to war; where it rules, it collects taxes, maintains roads, resolves disputes, and provides social services. The 2023 conviction of Mexico's former security chief Garcia Luna showed the official security forces can be an arm of the cartel.
Why it matters
It shows a criminal group operating as a shadow state, blurring the line between government and organized crime.
The engine's record — word for word
Originated from Guadalajara Cartel 1980s. El Chapo captured 2016, Mayo Zambada captured July 2024 — triggering civil war between Chapitos and Mayo factions. Controls Pacific coast and northern border corridors. Parallel governance: taxation (cobro de piso), road maintenance, dispute resolution, social services. Garcia Luna conviction (2023) proves security apparatus is cartel subsidiary.
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