Jalisco cartel presents a threat to the Mexican state

Abstract

Subject The rising strength of the CJNG. Significance In the four months since members of the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG) ambushed and gunned down 15 policemen on a mountain road to the Mexican resort town of Puerta Vallarta, the group has regularly been in the headlines for violent confrontations with security forces as it expands its criminal activities. The CJNG's leaders are, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, now "the richest of Mexico's drug traffickers". The growth of the organisation into a formidable force raises new questions regarding the extent of the threat it poses. Impacts While government attacks on the CJNG will escalate violence in Michoacan and Jalisco, heavy-handedness could discredit security forces. The CJNG's business diversity, strategic flexibility and deep community links will make it difficult to dismantle. CJNG expansion could bring it into conflict with the Sinaloa Federation. Though cartel activity will not affect investment, businesses will likely suffer high security costs and may be subject to extortion.