World's Most Feared Cartel | Mexico: Inside the Sinaloa | Free Documentary
The Cautionary Tale of the Ciloa Cartel
Overview of the Ciloa Cartel
- The Ciloa cartel is one of the most powerful criminal organizations globally, primarily involved in international drug trafficking.
- Hitmen like Elgo and his colleague are always armed, ready to execute orders from their boss at any moment.
Rituals and Operations
- Elgo and his accomplice pray to Santa Muerte, the goddess of death, as part of their routine before undertaking violent tasks.
- The cartel's operations lead to approximately 25,000 deaths annually due to rivalries and violence in Mexico.
Economic Impact
- The cartel generates between $3 billion to $12 billion yearly through drug trafficking, significantly impacting local economies by investing in properties and businesses.
- Despite efforts by the Mexican state and U.S. assistance to eradicate cartels since 2006, over 230,000 people have died in this ongoing war.
Inside the Drug Trade: A Personal Account
Historical Context
- Cannabis trafficking began in Mexico's mountains during the 1960s, followed by an opium boom in the early 2000s.
Personal Testimonies
- Manuel, a former associate of El Chapo’s clan, shares insights into his life as a drug trafficker and how he cultivates poppy for heroin production.
- His field yields about €6,000 annually—double Mexico's average salary but less than what was earned during El Chapo's reign.
The Rise of Fentanyl Production
Current Trends
- Elgo has advanced within the cartel ranks; he now produces drugs like fentanyl that are highly profitable yet dangerous.
Production Insights
- Fentanyl costs less than a dollar per pill in Mexico but can sell for up to $30 in the U.S., contributing to its popularity despite its lethal nature.
Cartel Operations: Security Measures
Meeting with Cartel Leaders
- After negotiations, Elgo’s boss agrees to meet with investigators near a hidden laboratory where fentanyl is produced under strict security measures.
Safety Protocol
- Candidates wishing to join the cartel must pass an entrance exam; safety protocols are stringent due to fears of military raids or rival attacks.
Violence and Rivalry Among Cartels
Recent Events
- As tensions rise among cartels, they prepare for potential military interventions while loading fentanyl for distribution.
Notable Incidents
- A dramatic event occurred when Ovidio Guzmán (El Chapo’s son) was captured by police leading to violent retaliations from various cartels attempting a rescue.
Assassination and Drug Trafficking in Mexico
The Aftermath of Violence
- At 5:30 p.m., the President of Mexico ordered the release of a drug lord to end violent clashes, stating that no official record would be published about the event.
- CCTV footage captured the assassination of a police officer involved in El Chapo's son's arrest, showcasing a brutal execution with nearly 150 bullets fired in just six seconds. This act was intended to deter law enforcement from targeting major drug figures.
Narco Culture and Burials
- Many cartel members who die are buried in a luxurious cemetery known as Pantheon de Naros, where tombstones resemble villas and can cost up to $500,000. Families invest heavily in these elaborate memorials.
- Despite their connections to drug trafficking, families often deny any link between their loved ones' deaths and narco activities; however, grave decorations suggest otherwise. One mother mourned her son who posed with a gold-plated gun before his death at age 24.
Funeral Industry Dynamics
- Criminality has led to an increase in demand for funeral services; five major companies compete fiercely for contracts amid rising violence. Santos works for one such company and is paid on commission based on securing funeral contracts for victims' families.
- Santos frequently visits crime scenes and forensic locations to find potential clients among families searching for missing loved ones among thousands of unidentified corpses across the country.
Young Women’s Aspirations Amidst Violence
- In Kakan, many young women aspire to date drug traffickers as a means of escaping poverty; almost half the population lives below the poverty line. Chamay, an 18-year-old girl, dreams of attracting wealthy narcos despite previously dating someone she deemed too poor.
- Chamay and her friend prepare meticulously for a night out at a club frequented by narcos, aiming to enhance their appeal through appearance and attitude while navigating competition from other women seeking similar relationships.
Cultural Practices Influencing Lives
- After a night out, Chamay consults a witch for purification—a blend of Catholicism, indigenous customs, and black magic—reflecting cultural practices prevalent in Mexico that influence personal decisions amidst societal challenges. She shares her troubled past involving her father’s abandonment due to his involvement in drug trafficking.
The Harsh Reality of Life in Narco Territories
The Influence of Narcos on Youth
- L is well-acquainted with the narco world, often being sought for assistance despite her desire to avoid involvement.
- Young boys in Kakan aspire to become narcos rather than pursuing traditional careers like medicine, highlighting a grim outlook for their future.
- Louis, a high school student working at a local store, earns meager wages and faces the inevitability of young men being drawn into narco work due to economic pressures.
The Impact of Poverty and Violence
- The minimum wage in Kakan is only €120 per month, making it easy for narcos to corrupt youth with money.
- Over 44,000 disappearances have occurred due to cartel violence over the past decade, predominantly affecting young people.
Search for the Missing
- Isabelle dedicates her life to searching for missing individuals, often risking her safety; she has found 70 bodies over three years.
- Isabelle lost her son during an attack involving drug traffickers; she honors him by leading volunteer efforts alongside other grieving parents.
Community Efforts and Risks
- Before embarking on searches, Isabelle informs authorities and shares group photos as a precautionary measure against potential cartel retaliation.
- L joins Isabelle's search efforts as she also seeks answers about her missing son amidst Mexico's low crime resolution rates.
Discovering Clues in the Search
- During their search along a path known as the underground cemetery, they find significant clues such as an abandoned shoe and skeletal remains.
- Isabelle has developed skills akin to those of criminals through experience; she receives tips from anonymous informants regarding burial sites used by killers.