The Mexican government has intensified its efforts to comply with Donald Trump's requests and avoid the imposition of a 25% tariff starting March 4. In response, leaders of a Mexican cartel are taking steps to protect themselves, importing scanners for drones, increasing their personnel, and acquiring more weaponry.
In statements to The New York Times, anonymous cartel leaders expressed their concern about the unusual pressure they are experiencing from the Mexican government, acknowledging the fear of being arrested or even killed. They are preparing for the increased pressure, importing scanners to detect drones, hiring people with experience in handling them, and acquiring equipment to counter government drones.
Although Mexican cartels have a long history of adaptation, several members expressed that for the first time in years they feel a true fear of being captured or facing lethal actions from the authorities. There has been an observed increase in the purchase of weapons coming from the United States, as well as in the preparation for drone detection.
However, some high-ranking cartel members rejected the label of "terrorists" and consider themselves to be businessmen. They acknowledged an increase in arms trafficking from the United States as a defensive measure against growing government surveillance.
Trump's threats to impose tariffs led the Mexican government to send 10,000 National Guard members to the border. In response, Trump ordered the deployment of another 3,000 active-duty soldiers to the border, joining the troops already stationed there.
For the cartels, the sale of properties and unnecessary personnel cuts have become a strategy to offset the decline in income from fentanyl trade, knowing that demand will not decrease due to consumer addiction.
