The Effective Business Practices of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs)

A steady drug supply from Mexico is prevalent within the U.S. today, and even when large drug seizures remove drugs from the supply chain, little significance of that reduced supply is seen on the street. Instead, based on little to no change in the drug supply, drug traffickers quickly adapt and overcome the barriers in place so they can ensure their clients continue to receive their supplies while profits are returned to Mexico. However, sustained success from illicit activities is challenging, but the Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) continue to adapt and innovate in an effort to stay ahead of federal authorities. But what kind of strategies do they use that afford them such resilience when faced with policies and law enforcement designed to make them extinct? This thesis, through an analysis of the core activities of drug trafficking and money laundering, will attempt to answer the question: what are the effective business practices used by the Mexican drug cartels?