Sinaloa Cartel

Abstract

If the Sinaloa Cartel were a legal enterprise, it would be one of the forty largest companies in Mexico and a member of the Latin 500. It is considered the most successful and sophisticated of the Mexican drug trafficking organizations or cartels; more than any other cartel, it epitomizes a business strategy.

This case study surveys the history and structure of the Sinaloa Cartel as middlemen between producers and distributors. The shrewd business lines, distribution methods, tactics of bribery and money laundering outlined in the case bring to light the business strategy. Participants will consider the relationships that sustain the illicit organization and identify opportunities to combat this organized crime.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the business strategy behind a major cartel.
• Consider the forces at play that keep a cartel secure and successful.
• Consider the role that law enforcement and government play in the success of cartels.
• Identify opportunities to weaken cartels.

Subjects Covered

organized crime, cartels, drug trafficking, Mexico, smuggling, bribery, business models, law enforcement corruption, collusion

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