As of 2024, numerous criminal cartels remain active globally, with a significant concentration of powerful drug cartels operating in Mexico. These organizations are primarily involved in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, human smuggling, and arms trafficking, profoundly impacting security and stability in various regions.
Major Cartels Active in 2024
Several prominent cartels continue to exert significant influence and control over vast territories and criminal enterprises. Their activities are dynamic, often involving intense rivalries and adaptations to law enforcement efforts.
Here's a look at some of the most active cartels:
| Cartel Name | Primary Region of Operation (Global) | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Sinaloa Cartel | Mexico (dominant), Global reach (especially U.S.) | Distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cannabis, and MDMA; extortion; kidnapping; human trafficking. Remains Mexico's most dominant drug cartel. |
| Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) | Mexico (expanding), Global reach | Drug trafficking (fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine), extortion, oil theft, kidnapping, human trafficking, arms trafficking; known for extreme violence and aggressive expansion. |
| Gulf Cartel | Northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas) | Drug trafficking (cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, heroin), human smuggling, extortion, kidnapping. Fragmented into several factions. |
| Northeast Cartel (CDN) | Northeastern Mexico (Nuevo Laredo) | Drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, human smuggling, oil theft. A ruthless splinter group of the original Los Zetas. |
| La Familia Michoacana | Michoacán, Guerrero, State of Mexico | Drug trafficking (methamphetamine, cocaine), extortion, kidnapping, local protection rackets. Emphasizes quasi-religious ideology, though primarily a criminal enterprise. |
| Knights Templar Cartel | Michoacán | Drug trafficking, extortion, illegal mining, protection rackets. A splinter group of La Familia Michoacana; its influence has diminished but factions remain. |
| Los Rojos | Guerrero | Heroin production and trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and local protection rackets. Often in conflict with other groups like CJNG and Guerreros Unidos. |
| Caborca Cartel | Sonora | Drug trafficking (particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl into the U.S.), arms trafficking, human smuggling. Emerged from remnants of the Sinaloa Cartel and other groups. |
Detailed Overview of Key Active Cartels
Sinaloa Cartel
The Sinaloa Cartel continues its long-standing reign as one of the most powerful and active transnational criminal organizations. As of 2024, it remains Mexico's most dominant drug cartel, with extensive operations spanning across the globe. Headquartered in Culiacán, Sinaloa, the cartel is primarily involved in the distribution of a wide array of illicit drugs, including:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Cannabis
- MDMA
Its sophisticated logistics and wide network allow it to control significant portions of the drug trade routes into the United States and other international markets. The cartel maintains a complex organizational structure, often adapting to pressure from law enforcement and rival groups.
Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is a formidable and rapidly expanding criminal organization, known for its extreme violence and aggressive tactics. Emerging as a splinter group of the Milenio Cartel, the CJNG has aggressively expanded its territory throughout Mexico and established a significant international presence. Their primary activities include:
- Large-scale production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine.
- Trafficking of cocaine and heroin.
- Engaging in fuel theft, extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking.
The CJNG's brutal approach and direct confrontations with Mexican authorities and rival cartels mark them as one of the most dangerous active cartels.
Gulf Cartel
One of Mexico's oldest criminal organizations, the Gulf Cartel, although significantly weakened and fragmented by internal conflicts and arrests of its leaders, remains active, particularly in northeastern Mexico. Its factions continue to engage in:
- Drug trafficking (primarily cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, and heroin).
- Human smuggling.
- Extortion and kidnapping.
The cartel's history of control over key border territories for drug and human trafficking routes ensures its continued, albeit fragmented, presence.
Northeast Cartel (CDN)
The Northeast Cartel (CDN) is a highly violent splinter group of the infamous Los Zetas cartel. Operating mainly from its stronghold in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, the CDN is characterized by its paramilitary tactics and extreme brutality. Their activities include:
- Drug trafficking.
- Extortion rackets targeting businesses and individuals.
- Kidnapping and human smuggling.
- Control over illegal crossings and routes.
La Familia Michoacana
Despite the reported deaths or captures of several of its key leaders, La Familia Michoacana continues to operate in various parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and the State of Mexico. Initially presenting itself with a pseudo-religious ideology, it remains a ruthless criminal organization involved in:
- Trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine.
- Extortion of local businesses and residents.
- Kidnapping.
- Engaging in local protection rackets.
The landscape of active cartels is highly fluid, with alliances shifting, new groups emerging, and existing ones fragmenting. Law enforcement agencies in various countries continuously monitor and combat these organizations.
