The relationship between Mexican drug trafficking organizations and corruption in the Mexican criminal justice and political systems: a review essay

Abstract

This research addresses the implications associated with the illegal activities performed by drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and the impact it creates on governmental institutions. The study focuses on México, the war on drugs, and the ramifications produced as a result of President Calderon’s strategy to combat drug trafficking and implement change. A description of different DTOs with their operations and illegal activities is also provided. The investigation outlines major implications of corruption from Mexican law enforcement, politicians, and other government officials that have been involved in cases of corruption and their link to DTOs. The research also expresses the implications created by Operation Fast and Furious conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). An analysis is provided to consider the right to bear arms in México, and evaluation of President Calderon’s strategy to combat DTOs and organized crime is also described. Such strategy is analyzed and compared to the Systematic Approach to Program and Policy Development, a model for planned change presented by the criminal justice policy and planning commission.