From the heart of Culiacán to the US border, the Sinaloa Cartel has transformed its method of transporting fentanyl, a highly lethal synthetic drug that has sparked a public health crisis in North America. According to a recent New York Times investigation, the criminal organization has begun using common vehicles, such as Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas, to hide small quantities of fentanyl, thus evading the increasingly strict surveillance of Mexican and US authorities.
The art of hiding fentanyl in “invisible” cars
Traffickers use sophisticated techniques to disguise fentanyl. One man sprayed six packages with a liquid that smelled like chlorine to make it difficult for trained dogs to detect. Furthermore, the drug is wrapped in carbon paper under aluminum foil to avoid detection by X-rays. The locations chosen within the cars are strategic: inside the gas tank, under the hood next to the engine, or under the lower panel of the vehicle. Each shipment is unique, tailored to the type of vehicle and the quantity of drugs being transported.
The Rising Costs and Risks of Drug Trafficking
The production and transportation of fentanyl have become slower and riskier. More expensive bribes, military checkpoints in Mexico, and increased border controls have forced cartels to reduce the size of their shipments to avoid significant losses. The DEA agrees with these findings, confirming an increase in seizures of this drug.
The United States Response and Its Implications
The Trump administration has shifted its anti-drug trafficking strategy, designating the Sinaloa Cartel as a terrorist group and signing an executive order authorizing the US military to operate directly on Mexican soil against these organizations. This marks a new chapter in the war on drugs, with potential diplomatic and security consequences for both countries.
Testimonies from Inside the Cartel and the Border
Five cartel members, including a mechanic and a driver, provided details about the tactics employed. They emphasized the importance of using common vehicles to avoid suspicion and constantly varying the concealment method. Constant adaptation is key to surviving in an environment where security forces are increasingly active and efficient.
Impact on Society and Public Health
The increase in the circulation of fentanyl has triggered a health crisis in the United States, with thousands of overdose deaths. This phenomenon also affects Mexico, where combating drug trafficking and the resulting violence represents a constant challenge for authorities.
A Game of Cat and Mouse on the Border
Fentanyl trafficking represents a complex and dynamic threat that the Sinaloa Cartel confronts with ingenuity and audacity. The struggle between drug traffickers and authorities is a constantly evolving process, with high stakes for the security and well-being of both countries. Binational cooperation and innovation in detection methods will be key to curbing this threat.
Source: laverdadnoticias
