The Rise of Methamphetamine in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

 In recent years, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has become one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico, with a growing presence in the United States. One of the key factors driving the group's expansion is the production and distribution of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and profitable illegal drug. This article will explore the rise of methamphetamine in the CJNG, its impact on Mexico and the United States, and the efforts to combat this growing threat.

Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a stimulant drug that can be smoked, injected, or snorted. It is highly addictive and can cause severe physical and mental health problems, as well as social and economic consequences. Methamphetamine production has become a lucrative business for drug cartels like the CJNG, who control the supply chain from the raw materials to the distribution networks.

The CJNG has emerged as a major player in the methamphetamine trade, with a sophisticated production network and a vast distribution system across Mexico and the United States. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the CJNG is responsible for a significant portion of the methamphetamine entering the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest regions. The group has also been linked to other illicit drugs, such as fentanyl and heroin.

The CJNG's methamphetamine production has had devastating consequences in Mexico, where drug-related violence and corruption are widespread. The group has been accused of carrying out numerous violent acts, including kidnappings, assassinations, and massacres, to protect its drug trade and expand its territory. The Mexican government has launched several operations to dismantle the CJNG's drug empire, but the group's power and influence continue to grow.

The CJNG's methamphetamine also poses a significant threat to public health and safety in the United States. The drug is highly addictive and can cause severe harm to users and their families. The CJNG's distribution networks have been found in many states, including South Carolina, where law enforcement officials have reported an increase in methamphetamine-related crimes, such as theft and violence. The drug has also been linked to the opioid epidemic in the United States, as some users turn to methamphetamine as a cheaper and more accessible alternative to prescription drugs.

To combat the CJNG's methamphetamine trade, the United States and Mexican governments have launched joint operations and invested in intelligence and law enforcement measures. In January 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against 15 CJNG members, including two of its top leaders, for drug trafficking and other crimes. The Mexican government has also stepped up its efforts to dismantle the group, arresting several of its high-ranking members and seizing large quantities of methamphetamine.

In conclusion, the rise of methamphetamine in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has had significant social, economic, and political consequences in Mexico and the United States. The CJNG's drug trade has fueled violence, corruption, and addiction, posing a major challenge to public health and safety. To address this growing threat, a comprehensive approach is needed, including international cooperation, law enforcement measures, and support for drug prevention and treatment programs. The fight against drug cartels and the illegal drug trade is a complex and ongoing battle, but one that is essential to protect the well-being and security of individuals and communities around the world.