Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Captain Solo]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/w...p-tariffs.html

Several cartel operatives said that for the first time in years, they genuinely feared arrest or death at the hands of the authorities.

Investigators collecting evidence last month at a crime scene in a residential neighborhood of Culiacáand, Mexico. Credit.

By Natalie Kitroeff and Paulina Villegas Photographs by Daniele Volpe.

Reporting from Culiacáand, Mexico March 2, 2025.

One cartel leader says he's trying to figure out how to protect his family in case the American military strikes inside Mexico. Another says he's already gone into hiding, rarely leaving his home. Two young men who produce fentanyl for the cartel say they have shut down all their drug labs.

A barrage of arrests, drug seizures and lab busts by the Mexican authorities in recent months has struck the behemoth Sinaloa Cartel, according to Mexican officials and interviews with six cartel operatives, forcing at least some of its leaders to scale back on fentanyl production in Sinaloa state, their stronghold.

The cartels have sown terror across Mexico and caused untold damage in the United States. But here in Culiacáand, the state capital, the dynamic seems to be shifting, at least for now. Cartel operatives say they've had to move labs to other areas of the country or temporarily shut down production.

"Every day there have been arrests and seizures," Omar Harfuch, the Mexican security minister, said at a recent news conference after returning from several days in Sinaloa. The detentions have led to "a constant weakening" of the cartel, he said.

The country's law enforcement seized nearly as much fentanyl in the last five months as it did in the previous year. Ms. Sheinbaum's administration says it has made nearly 900 arrests in Sinaloa alone since October.

Image.

Four police officers wearing helmets and carrying rifles.

The police at a crime scene on a crossroad in Culiacáand, the capital of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Then, last week, the Mexican government said it had begun sending to the United States more than two dozen cartel operatives wanted by the American authorities. It was a clear signal to the Trump administration that Mexico was eager to fight the cartels, though Mr. Trump said on the same day that he was still not satisfied with the government's efforts and that tariffs would go into effect on Tuesday.

"Criminal groups have not felt this level of pressure in such a long time," said Jaime López, a security analyst based in Mexico City.

In interviews, cartel operatives agreed. Some said they were selling off property and firing unessential personnel to make up for lost income from the dent in the fentanyl trade. Others said they were investing money in advanced equipment to detect American government drones, which the United States flew into Mexico during the Biden and Obama administrations as well.

Criminal organizations in Mexico have a long history of surviving efforts to dismantle them, or simply splintering off into new groups. But several operatives said that for the first time in years, they genuinely feared arrest or death at the hands of the authorities.

Experts noted that a decline in production in Culiacáand wouldn't necessarily affect the flow of fentanyl north, since the drug is easy to make and the cartel can move its labs elsewhere. And it isn't clear how long any disruption in Culiacáand would last. Cooks and experts said they expected the cartel would restart labs in the city if the pressure subsided or the group needed an influx of cash.

But the crackdown has had an immediate impact, they said, and some cited the newfound pressure by Mr. Trump.

Image.

A police officer wearing a mask writes something on papers on a clipboard.

Investigators doing paperwork at a crime scene in a residential neighborhood of Culiacáand.

"Trump established a deadline, and we are seeing the results of everything we could have seen in years being done in a month," Mr. López said. "The government is sending a message that when it really wants to, it can exert that kind of pressure. ".

But even before tariff threats intensified, Ms. Sheinbaum had showed her willingness to take on the cartels as soon as she took office on Oct. 1.

Her predecessor and political ally, former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, had pursued a strategy he called "hugs not bullets," focusing on the root causes of crime and generally avoiding violent confrontations with criminals.

While she pledged allegiance to her mentor's vision, Ms. Sheinbaum made headlines with a rash of battles between soldiers and cartel gunmen that left dozens dead earlier in her presidency.

Cartel members said they were making their own preparations for the heightened pressure under Mr. Trump. American officials say the United States has recently begun expanding drone flights into Mexico to detect drug labs, and last week the administration designated several cartels as terrorist organizations.

In interviews, cartel operatives said they were importing scanners to detect drones and hiring more people with experience operating and tracking such aircraft. They also said they had increased arms shipments from the United States, the source of most of the illegal weapons used by criminals in Mexico.

Image.

Various cookware and tools on a white tile floor.

Tools needed to produce fentanyl lying on the floor of a house belonging to a drug cartel.

Inside the Trump administration, there is still some division over whether the United States should take unilateral military action in Mexico against the cartels, or whether it should work more closely with the Mexican government in combating the drug trade.

Mexico's cartels are known for amassing military-grade weapons, including I. E. the. S and land mines, yet the operatives acknowledged in interviews that they could scarcely compete with the American military's arsenal. Even so, one high-level operative said the cartel would be prepared to respond if raids or strikes were carried out.

"If a helicopter comes here and soldiers drop out, 20 or 30 of them," the operative said, "there's no way we'the just sit here with our arms crossed. ".

One cartel fentanyl cook, speaking from jail, said he was actually in favor of stepped up enforcement by the Mexican government, because he believed that curbing cartel violence could prevent the "deaths of innocents. ".

Last week, Mexican forces arrested two big players within the Sinaloa Cartel who were close associates of Iváand Archivaldo Guzmáand Salazar, the most powerful son of the drug lord known as El Chapo. After news of the captures spread, the Mexican military deployed a surge of soldiers throughout the city, setting up checkpoints and blocking off entire blocks.

Despite the arrests, the violence in Culiacáand keeps claiming lives. On a recent Wednesday morning, the body of a man appeared face down in the middle of a street at a busy intersection, his hands tied and blood pouring from his head.

Image.

A man stands over a body in the middle of a street at night.

A crime scene in a residential neighborhood of Culiacáand.

The next day, a different man's body was found in a residential neighborhood nearby, with his feet bound and a plastic bag over his head. Officials at the scene said it appeared the victim had been shot dead on the spot.

Ms. Sheinbaum has defended her record on fighting the cartels and hit back hard against the Trump White House's accusation that the Mexican government has "an intolerable alliance" with drug traffickers.

"We are combating organized crime groups, there can be no doubt about this," she said at a news conference last month, adding, "We are going after organized crime. ".

But few dispute that corruption is rampant in Mexico. The last major crackdown on organized crime was led by a security chief who was later convicted in USA Federal court of taking bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel.

Cartel members said the only reason the government hadn't really fought them until recently was because they'the bought off enough officials. One cartel cell leader said he doubted that this new effort would seriously damage the cartel because the group could ensure its survival by bribing key officials.

"There are always weak points," he said, "there are always loose ends we can get to. ".

When asked how it feels to be labeled terrorists, the cartel operatives' responses ranged from apathetic to indignant.

Image.

Two soldiers in wearing camouflage and helmets and carrying rifles.

Members of the Mexican Army protecting an area in Culiacáand where, hours later, Mexican authorities would confirm the arrest of two high-ranking members of El Chapo's faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The fentanyl cook in jail argued that the real terrorists were the users in the United States whose insatiable appetite for the drug fuels the trade. The two other young cooks agreed that the worst actors were north of the border: the arms dealers who turn a huge profit smuggling weapons into Mexico that kill so many people.

The high-level operative said he considered himself a businessman, not a terrorist.

"We talk about supply and demand," he said, "not AK-47's, much less bombing Times Square. ".

Even if the government bombs every drug lab in Mexico, he said, it won't make Americans less dependent on the drug, which is one of the most addictive synthetic opioids available. He said that, with the right ingredients, fentanyl can be synthesized almost anywhere — in tiny kitchens or rudimentary mountain labs — and that as long as Americans want fentanyl, it will get made.

"Demand will never end, the product is still being consumed," the operative said. "Addiction means demand never ends. ".

Natalie Kitroeff is the Mexico City bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. More about Natalie Kitroeff.

[Cocr Brotheler]

Thank you for the data flapjack! Factoring in inflation wonder how the Clinton and Bush II debts compare with Trump 1st and Bidenator? All of them / their administrations guilty of it. They did it in Rome and EVERY country that has ever used fiat currency not backed by anything which are most countries. And eventually all the fiats go to zero!

Is why when I can I buy some physical gold and silver although I feel I already have enough of silver (gets heavy) and gold getting expensive.

[StRobert]

I was in an Uber last night at 1 am and the entrance to the bridge had cops all over it. My Uber driver stopped and the cop asked me to get out of the car. I grabbed my possessions and put them in my hand. He had asked me the usual, drugs, what are you doing here, etc. After 5 minutes, he let me go, no money exchanged. My Uber driver apologized and said this was the third ride in a row he's been stopped with a gringo in the backseat.

Tijuana Police also check taxis at this point as you enter the bridge. Next time take a Hong Kong Limo (I tip the driver $3) because the police do not check Hong Kong Limos.

[Rexine]

I was in an Uber last night at 1 am and the entrance to the bridge had cops all over it. My Uber driver stopped and the cop asked me to get out of the car. I grabbed my possessions and put them in my hand. He had asked me the usual, drugs, what are you doing here, etc. After 5 minutes, he let me go, no money exchanged. My Uber driver apologized and said this was the third ride in a row he's been stopped with a gringo in the backseat.

[FlapJacK]

Well let's look at it objectively: Most Trump companies went bankrupt (his airline, casinos. So not a successful businessman if you ask lenders that lost billions.

During his first term Trump approved $8. 4 trillion of debt ($4. 8 trillion excluding COVID relief);.

Debt will lead to financial implosion of USA:

Extending Tax cuts are popular. But since they are not funded they will increase national debt like they did during his first term.

Trump is your man for financial implosion of USA.

Of all the USA Presidents, Barack Obama increased the national debt the most.

The debt grew by $8. 34 trillion. Almost 70% and no implosion. And Biden was not far behind Trump.

For some perspective:

Barack Obama (2009–2017): The national debt increased by approximately $8. 6 trillion during his tenure.

investopedia.com

Donald Trump (2017–2021): The debt rose by about $7. 8 trillion under his administration.

Propublica. Org. Approximately $4 trillion of the $7. 8 trillion increase in national debt under Donald Trump was directly attributed to COVID-19 relief measures.

George W. Bush (2001–2009): The national debt grew by approximately $5. 85 trillion during his presidency.

investopedia.com

Bill Clinton (1993–2001): The debt increased by around $1. 4 trillion during his two terms.

investopedia.com

Joe Biden (2021–2025): As of November 2024, the national debt has risen by over $7. 29 trillion since he took office. Not sure where its at at his end in Jan 2025.

The major contributors to this COVID-related debt increase include:

CARES Act (March 2020) – $2. 2 trillion.

Stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and healthcare spending.

Additional Stimulus Packages (April–December 2020) – $900 billion.

Further funding for PPP, extended unemployment benefits, and support for small businesses.

Other Pandemic-Related Spending – Estimated $900 billion.

Federal Reserve interventions, business bailouts, and healthcare system support.

Decline in Tax Revenue – Due to economic slowdown and tax deferrals.

[Cocr Brotheler]

Well let's look at it objectively: Most Trump companies went bankrupt (his airline, casinos. So not a successful businessman if you ask lenders that lost billions.

During his first term Trump approved $8. 4 trillion of debt ($4. 8 trillion excluding COVID relief);.

Debt will lead to financial implosion of USA:

Extending Tax cuts are popular. But since they are not funded they will increase national debt like they did during his first term.

Trump is your man for financial implosion of USA.

Yeah see now this is turning into a political discussion and I not into that. Agreed ALL politicians like to print the $$$ not only Mr. T. How much $$$ did Biden admin print? She me the facts.

I just think if anyone can get the USA Back on track it is Mr. T however maybe not is why I still buying physical assets like gold and silver etc.

Drill baby drill!

[Rambo1969]

Like, really like what you said! Totally thumbs up. Yes Trump is aggressive and abrasive but he is also very smart, competent, tough, hard working and knows how to run things especially finances and to keep the USA From imploding.

Well let's look at it objectively: Most Trump companies went bankrupt (his airline, casinos. So not a successful businessman if you ask lenders that lost billions.

During his first term Trump approved $8. 4 trillion of debt ($4. 8 trillion excluding COVID relief);.

Debt will lead to financial implosion of USA:

Extending Tax cuts are popular. But since they are not funded they will increase national debt like they did during his first term.

Trump is your man for financial implosion of USA.

[Zenduka1]

Like, really like what you said! Totally thumbs up. Yes Trump is aggressive and abrasive but he is also very smart, competent, tough, hard working and knows how to run things especially finances and to keep the USA From imploding.

I like some liberal / social principals and liberal leaders but they need be 1. Moderate and 2. Competent.

The Democratic party, since Clinton has abandoning its democratic base more and more over the years. These days I don't even know if they understand what they stand for. A gang of baboons would have a mission order than what we saw the last 4 years. I disliked Trump because of what he did or did not do during Covid, but anything is better than Biden and his ilk.

[Zenduka1]

I not worried now so much about traveling to MEX espec. The land border crossing into Tijuana versus Colombia. If I already down in CO I keep blending in keeping low profile etc. Ironic I was planning to book a trip to Cali this weekend. Now not worried about once thru the airport but possible complications entering and departing with their security and immigration officers with the current relations. So I narrowed down my trip to Costa Rica (too expensive flights on short booking window) and MEX. I live near and luv Monterrey and always fly but maybe? Some complications. Proly not and I have to pay $300 for flight (not bad) and more expensive hotels. Guadalajara also nice but even further down state and who knows what could happen? Best for me right now to "play" as close to home as possible with changes occurring. So just booked nearly free on SWA (points and travel credits) RT to San Diego from Austin and will stay at Hotel Ceasar's 4 nights. And with HK VIP card will book 2 nights in Cascadas Mon. & Tues nights to have a lot of fun within the relative safe confines of that magical ho palace even if paying more per chica. . Hotel Ceasar's I got a really good rate ($62/ night for the 192 square foot room). I usually like to stay in I. Be. San Diego but $160/ night for non-refundable. I may change my hotel closer in but feel safe in Caesar's or Ticuan and like that I walk to regular bars and restaurants when not having fun at HK and CC.

If there is a plan to travel to Colombia I suggest to hold off for now.

[Cocr Brotheler]

I disagree and support what Trump is doing 110%. Sending back illegal immigrants, especially those with arrest records, is a good thing and not picking fights. Kamala is a low-IQ word-salad queen who couldn't explain the difference between a woman and a man. The ponytail Marxist, Claudia Sheinbaum, is collaborating with the cartels and the wealthy Mexican elite, while the people of Mexico suffer and live in poverty.

Like, really like what you said! Totally thumbs up. Yes Trump is aggressive and abrasive but he is also very smart, competent, tough, hard working and knows how to run things especially finances and to keep the USA From imploding.

I like some liberal / social principals and liberal leaders but they need be 1. Moderate and 2. Competent.

[Cocr Brotheler]

Trump picking a fight everywhere. He just set a list of sanctions against Colombia. Those US Gringos in Colombia now are sitting ducks. LOL, probably not, that was a joke.

I not worried now so much about traveling to MEX espec. The land border crossing into Tijuana versus Colombia. If I already down in CO I keep blending in keeping low profile etc. Ironic I was planning to book a trip to Cali this weekend. Now not worried about once thru the airport but possible complications entering and departing with their security and immigration officers with the current relations. So I narrowed down my trip to Costa Rica (too expensive flights on short booking window) and MEX. I live near and luv Monterrey and always fly but maybe? Some complications. Proly not and I have to pay $300 for flight (not bad) and more expensive hotels. Guadalajara also nice but even further down state and who knows what could happen? Best for me right now to "play" as close to home as possible with changes occurring. So just booked nearly free on SWA (points and travel credits) RT to San Diego from Austin and will stay at Hotel Ceasar's 4 nights. And with HK VIP card will book 2 nights in Cascadas Mon. & Tues nights to have a lot of fun within the relative safe confines of that magical ho palace even if paying more per chica. . Hotel Ceasar's I got a really good rate ($62/ night for the 192 square foot room). I usually like to stay in I. Be. San Diego but $160/ night for non-refundable. I may change my hotel closer in but feel safe in Caesar's or Ticuan and like that I walk to regular bars and restaurants when not having fun at HK and CC.

[Zenduka1]

Trumpy and his goons should've never been president, he is picking fights with Mexico and Latin countries this would've never happened with Kamala.

I was neutral with your statement until I saw that you inserted the name, Kamala. She and Biden are the reason why I left the Democratic party for the first time in my life.

[Phordphan]

I disagree and support what Trump is doing 110%. Sending back illegal immigrants, especially those with arrest records, is a good thing and not picking fights. Kamala is a low-IQ word-salad queen who couldn't explain the difference between a woman and a man. The ponytail Marxist, Claudia Sheinbaum, is collaborating with the cartels and the wealthy Mexican elite, while the people of Mexico suffer and live in poverty.

It's too bad there is no like button, or I'd hit it a dozen times. The Mexican oligarchy has enriched themselves, at the peoples' expense, for generations and it's not going to stop with Doña Claudia.

I truly don't understand why some folks defend criminal illegals and have no problem allowing them to roam our streets.

[FlapJacK]

Trumpy and his goons should've never been president, he is picking fights with Mexico and Latin countries this would've never happened with Kamala.

I disagree and support what Trump is doing 110%. Sending back illegal immigrants, especially those with arrest records, is a good thing and not picking fights. Kamala is a low-IQ word-salad queen who couldn't explain the difference between a woman and a man. The ponytail Marxist, Claudia Sheinbaum, is collaborating with the cartels and the wealthy Mexican elite, while the people of Mexico suffer and live in poverty.

[Enter The V]

This is my concern with the current political tension between the US and Mexico. I have a trip booked for next Monday to tijusna but now I'm considering whether or not I should cancel it.

Trumpy and his goons should've never been president, he is picking fights with Mexico and Latin countries this would've never happened with Kamala.