As the Mexican authorities step up their crackdown on drug trafficking, the formidable Sinaloa Cartel is feeling the pressure. Cartel leaders and operatives are now on high alert, taking measures to protect themselves and their operations. They have become harder to find, with some even shutting down their drug labs. The government’s efforts, which include mass arrests and seizures, have weakened the cartel and forced them to move their labs to other parts of the country. Even though the cartel has historically been able to survive and evolve, operatives admit that they fear the authorities like never before. The increased pressure is partly due to the Trump administration’s threats of tariffs and its recent designation of several cartels as terrorist organizations. The cartel is now investing in advanced technology to detect American government drones and increasing their arms supply.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/world/americas/trump-threats-and-mexicos-crackdown-hit-mexican-cartel.html