War on Drugs

Opium

Derived from poppies, leading to morphine and heroin.

Marijuana

Initially used as hemp; regulated and later made illegal in the U.S. under Harry Anslinger's influence, intertwined with racism.

Cocaine

Originates from coca leaves; previously used in Coca-Cola and pharmaceuticals.

Prohibition

Focus on consumer punishment with influences from race and class.

Eradication

Involves problematic drug raids, such as those illustrated in Durango.

Operation Intercept

Targeted global trafficking networks in 1968.

FARC

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia; transitioned into narco-communism funded by cocaine.

Pablo Escobar

Organized the Medellín cartel, controlled cocaine trade, attempted political ambitions, and was killed in 1993.

Manuel Noriega

Panamanian dictator involved in drug smuggling, overthrown during Operation Just Cause.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman

Leader of the Sinaloa cartel known for innovative smuggling tactics and multiple arrests.

Operation Polar Cap

Shut down Pablo Escobar's money laundering network in 1989.

Crack Cocaine Epidemic

Massive sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine disproportionately targeting marginalized communities.

Medellín to Cali Cartel

Post-Escobar, Cali cartel assumed dominance in cocaine trafficking.

Sinaloa Cartel

Evolved through advanced tactics and rivaled other cartels, despite Guzman’s arrest.

War on Drugs

Ongoing campaign with significant human costs, including deaths and social instability.

Cali Cartel

Became the dominant drug trafficking organization in Colombia post-Escobar, known for more political strategies than violence.

Juarez Cartel

Known for its violent conflicts with Sinaloa cartel and control over drug trafficking routes in Ciudad Juarez.

Los Zetas

Originally formed by former Mexican special forces, became one of the most violent cartels known for ruthless tactics.

El Mencho

Leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known for its rapid expansion and violent confrontations.

Cartel Wars

Fierce rivalries among drug trafficking organizations leading to extreme violence and destabilization in regions.

Narco-trafficking

The illegal trade of drugs, primarily involving the production, distribution, and sale of narcotics globally.

Drug Lords

Prominent figures or leaders within drug cartels who control and orchestrate large-scale drug trafficking operations.

Transnational Criminal Organizations

Drug trafficking organizations that operate across national borders to facilitate the international drug trade.

Hernandez Cartel

Emerging cartel known for operations in smuggling and drug trafficking primarily in the northern regions of Mexico.

Félix Gallardo

Founder of the Guadalajara cartel, pivotal in the early stages of drug trafficking in Mexico.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)

A powerful cartel known for its violent tactics and rapid territorial expansion.

Tijuana Cartel

Known for its historical rivalry with the Sinaloa cartel and control over border trafficking routes.

César “El Padrino” Guzmán

Key figure in the Sinaloa cartel's operations, linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

Ismael

A significant leader within the Sinaloa cartel, involved in international drug trafficking and known for violent methods.

Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales

Leader of Los Zetas, notorious for extreme violence and militant tactics in drug smuggling.

Rafael Caro Quintero

Founding member of the Guadalajara cartel, involved in high-profile drug trafficking and notorious for the murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena.