Brutal drug trafficking-related violence in Mexico often makes headlines in newspapers across the world which is why we decided to create a list of 6 facts about Tijuana drug cartel violence: kidnappings and killings. Organized crime groups focus their “business” on human and drug smuggling, extortion, kidnappings, car theft, killings, etc. Violence is a common trademark of many drug cartels which they use to settle various disputes and to scare their rivals as well as potential partners in crime. When it comes to countries that produce the most illegal drugs, according to our list of Countries that Produce The Most Illegal Drugs in The World, Mexico is ranked very high, at spot number three.
According to one analyst who estimated in the 2015 Congressional Research Service report, Mexico’s drug wars have taken more than 80,000 lives between 2006 and 2015. The cause of this many casualties is fierce rivalries between different drug cartels in Mexico where bystanders often end up as collateral damage. CNN compiled a list of the major cartels in Mexico which include: Gulf Cartel, Juarez Cartel, La Familia Michoacana, Los Zetas Cartel, Sinaloa Cartel, and Arellano Felix Cartel also known as Tijuana Cartel. This cartel and its notorious crimes will be the topic of discussion for this list of 6 facts about Tijuana drug cartel violence: kidnappings and killings.
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Based in Tijuana, Mexico, Arellano Felix Organization is the most violent drug cartel in North America according to the article published by Public Broadcasting Service. When Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, the founder of Guadalajara Cartel, was arrested back in 1989, his organization broke down into two fractions: Sinaloa Cartel, led by notorious Joaquín Guzmán Loera also known as “El Chapo” and the Tijuana Cartel, led by Gallardo’s nephews, the Arellano Felix brothers. Tijuana Cartel is a family business which is partly responsible for their success for decades. The drug cartel family consisted of seven brothers and four sisters who ruled the streets of Mexico for years. With many brothers incarcerated or dead, it is believed that the business is now run by one of the sisters, Enedina Arellano Felix who is believed to be the first female drug lord, sometimes called “La Narcomami”. She survived the fall of her brothers as well as other kingpins, including “El Chapo” himself. Even though “La Narcomami” is more interested in getting money than killing and radiating fear, her brothers made sure that Tijuana Cartel has a bloody history.
While compiling this list of facts about Tijuana drug cartel violence: kidnappings and killings, we searched for information on killings and kidnappings by the Tijuana Cartel on various media outlets including Insight Crime, The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, Reuters among other. We found the majority of information in the article entitled: “How DEA Agents Took Down Mexico’s Most Vicious Drug Cartel“. Since there isn’t a right way to sort the list, we didn’t sort it in any particular order. Some of the facts are chosen due to importance for the cartel and/or its downfall. The events presented on this list will give you an insight into the brutality of Tijuana’s cartel as well as the killings and kidnappings they have done. Now, let’s see our list of facts about Tijuana drug cartel violence: kidnappings and killings.
