Drugs problems in South America are certainly not a recent issue. In 2006, the new Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, knew that he was in a position to implement measures to put and end to drug dealing and smuggling. In order to take down those involved in the drug cartel, President Calderon reinforced security in many areas, including upping the number of officers put in areas known to draw traffickers. He also made strides in sweeping corrupt officials from government positions. .
The newly enforced anti-drug regulations outraged the drug cartels and they began to lash out against the government, as some of the most powerful and dangerous drug-lords were arrested and put behind bars. Since Calderon took office, the drug battle has intensified. .
The La Familia Cartel is located in the state of Michoacan, but also has operations in the states of Guerrero, Guanajuato, Mexico, Jalisco and Queretar. Jose Mendez Vargas and Nazario Moreno Gonzalez lead the cartel. Most recently, Nazario Moreno González was killed in a two-day shootout between federal officers and a gunman. Although the Mexican Government knew that his death did not mean victory, they knew it would slightly cripple the cartel. Knowing that Gonzalez was a huge leader of the Cartel the Mexican Government knew peace was around the corner (Stratfor, 2010).
The Sinaloa Cartel was formed in 1989 when the head of the Guadalajara cartel was taken over. Sinaloa Cartel is based in Chihuahua, which is on the United States/Mexican border. Joaquin "El Chapo " Guzman Loera, the groups leader, is listed as one of the richest people on the Forbes list (Stratfor, 2010). Alfredo Beltran who is currently incarcerated also leads the cartel. This cartel is the leading cocaine trafficker from South America to the world market, with an economic existence in forty-seven countries. This group is known to traffic cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamines.