The mention of Mexican cartels often brings to mind Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and the Sinaloa Cartel. While El Chapo was undeniably a central figure, Mexico’s criminal landscape is far more complex and violent, dominated by several other formidable organizations. These cartels wield immense power, controlling vast territories and engaging in brutal turf wars that continue to destabilize regions and pose significant challenges to Mexican authorities and international security.

Understanding these groups is crucial to grasping the depth of Mexico’s ongoing cartel violence. They are not merely drug traffickers but sophisticated criminal enterprises involved in extortion, kidnapping, human smuggling, and widespread violence.

1. Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)

Widely considered one of the most powerful and ruthless cartels today, CJNG is led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho.” Known for its extreme violence, public displays of power, and military-grade weaponry, CJNG has rapidly expanded its territory across Mexico, challenging the Sinaloa Cartel in many regions. They are heavily involved in fentanyl production and trafficking.

2. Sinaloa Cartel

Despite El Chapo’s imprisonment, the Sinaloa Cartel remains a dominant force. Now reportedly led by Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and El Chapo’s sons (known as “Los Chapitos”), the cartel maintains a vast international drug trafficking network. However, internal conflicts between factions are a significant challenge, leading to continued violence, particularly in Sinaloa and surrounding states.

3. Los Zetas

Originating as the enforcement arm of the Gulf Cartel, Los Zetas became infamous for their extreme brutality and paramilitary tactics. Though fragmented due to leadership captures and internal feuds, remnants of Los Zetas, particularly the Northeast Cartel (Cartel del Noreste – CDN), continue to operate in northeastern Mexico, engaging in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.

4. Gulf Cartel (CDG)

One of Mexico’s oldest criminal organizations, the Gulf Cartel has been active since the 1930s. Based in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, it controls crucial smuggling routes into the U.S. While its power has waned somewhat due to internal divisions and battles with Los Zetas, various factions of the Gulf Cartel remain active in drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling.

5. La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)

Operating primarily in Michoacán and parts of the State of Mexico, LNFM is a violent organization involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and even drone attacks. They often present themselves as protectors of communities while simultaneously terrorizing them, creating a complex dynamic with local populations.

6. Juárez Cartel

Based in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, this cartel has historically been a major player in drug trafficking, particularly through the vital border crossing into El Paso, Texas. Although weakened by long-standing wars with the Sinaloa Cartel, the Juárez Cartel, along with its armed wing La Línea, continues to operate and exert influence in the region.