As Mexican authorities continue to crack down on powerful cartels, a new player has emerged in the country's complex underworld of organized crime. Cárteles Unidos, a loose alliance of smaller cartels in Michoacán, Mexico, has begun to make waves in the region, its operations threatening global security and stability.
The Mexican government's designation of Cárteles Unidos as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on February 20, 2025, marked a significant escalation in the country's efforts to combat transnational crime. The move was welcomed by law enforcement agencies around the world, which have long suspected that cartels like Cárteles Unidos are involved in large-scale production and trafficking of illicit substances.
"Cárteles Unidos is a highly organized and ruthless organization that poses a significant threat to global security," said Dr. Maria Elena Salinas, a senior analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "Their involvement in methamphetamine and fentanyl production is particularly concerning, as these substances have become major drivers of overdose deaths in the United States."
The cartel's rise to prominence has been fueled by its ability to adapt and evolve, incorporating new technologies and strategies into its operations. Cárteles Unidos has also formed alliances with other cartels, including Knights Templar and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), creating a complex web of relationships that make it difficult for authorities to track their movements.
Despite the challenges posed by Cárteles Unidos, Mexican authorities have made significant strides in recent months. The country's National Guard has launched a series of targeted operations against cartel leaders and members, resulting in dozens of arrests and seizures of large quantities of illicit substances.
However, experts warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of organized crime in Mexico. "TheMexican government's efforts to combat cartels are important, but they must also focus on addressing the poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities that drive many young people into criminal activity," said Dr. Salinas.
The impact of Cárteles Unidos is being felt far beyond Mexico's borders. The cartel's involvement in methamphetamine and fentanyl production has led to a surge in overdose deaths in the United States, with many experts warning that the situation is spiraling out of control.
"The United States must take a more proactive approach to addressing the issue of transnational crime," said General John F. Kelly, former Secretary of Homeland Security. "We need to work closely with our Mexican partners to disrupt Cárteles Unidos' operations and bring its leaders to justice."
As the situation in Mexico continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Cárteles Unidos poses a significant threat to global security and stability. It remains to be seen how effectively authorities can address this threat and bring an end to the cartel's reign of terror.
Recent Developments
Mexican authorities have launched a series of targeted operations against Cárteles Unidos leaders and members, resulting in dozens of arrests and seizures of large quantities of illicit substances.
The US Department of Justice has indicted several high-ranking members of Cárteles Unidos on charges related to their involvement in methamphetamine and fentanyl production.
The Mexican government has designated seven other cartel members as Specially Designated Terrorists, subjecting them to asset freezes and travel bans.
Key Players
Juan José Farías Álvarez (a.k.a. "El Abuelo")
Nicolás Sierra Santana (a.k.a. "El Gordo")
Alfonso Fernández Magallón (a.k.a. "Poncho")
Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez (a.k.a. "R5," "Wicho," "Güicho")
Edgar Orozco Cabadas (a.k.a. "El Kamoni")
Statistics
Over 30,000 people have died in Mexico this year due to violence related to organized crime.
The US has seen a significant increase in overdose deaths attributed to fentanyl and methamphetamine in recent years.
Cárteles Unidos is estimated to generate over $100 million per month in revenue through its illicit activities.