The Story Mexico took down a drug lord. Can it take down his empire?
Mar 5, 2026
Louise Callaghan, Americas correspondent for The Sunday Times reporting from Mexico, describes Guadalajara after the takedown of a cartel boss. She recounts immediate cartel retaliation, visible violence and public fear. She explains the Jalisco cartel’s franchise model, control through terror and corruption, and the human cost seen in disappearances and mass-grave searches.
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Cartels Fill Economic And Political Vacuums
- Cartels function as major local employers and power brokers where the state is weak.
- They control capital, local officials and culture, making cartel affiliation one of few routes to income and influence.
Live Call Captured Police Collusion In Kidnapping
- Guadalupe heard her sons being stopped and targeted by corrupt police on a live call.
- Police shouted 'Wallets!' and joked about finding money before naming Jalisco cartel, revealing collusion with narcos.
Recognize External Pressure Drives High-Risk Raids
- External pressure from the US accelerated the operation against El Mencho.
- Louise Callaghan reports Mexican special forces and officials say Trump-era demands pushed Mexico to act now.