Truthloader: The History, Cartels, Victims and Success of Mexico's War on Drugs Truthloader
go to original July 26, 2013

Since 2006 the Mexican government has been battling cartels in the US-backed war on drugs. Tens of thousands of people, including innocent civilians, gang members, the police and military have been killed in the extremely violent conflict.

The first part in the series on the war on drugs in Mexico looks at how the narcotics trade began in the country.

In the second part we look at the country's infamous and extremely violent drug cartels, including the notorious Los Zetas and Sinaloa.

In the third part we explore the victims. The Mexican war on drugs, backed by the US, has claimed between 47,000 and 70,000 lives along with thousands of people who have been disappeared. It's not just the cartels and the military who have been targeted though, politicians, journalists, human rights workers, illegal immigrants and innocent civilians have all been caught up in the horrific violence.

Finally, we ask: Has the war on drugs in Mexico been a success? Since President Felipe Calderon started his war against the drug cartels in Mexico in 2006, gang-related murders have shot up, violent incidents skyrocketed and corruption has hampered progress. What has the effect been on the illegal drugs trade with the United States and has the US itself contributed to failings in the war on drugs through Operation Fast and Furious?

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