DEA Sounds Alarm: Mexican Drug Cartels Fuel US Crisis

Mexican Drug Cartels Pose Serious Threat to US, DEA Warns The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a stark warning about the escalating threat posed by Mexican drug cartels to the United States. Their National Drug Threat Assessment 2025 highlights the alarming activities of six major cartels, emphasizing the significant impact on US national security and public health. The report details the alarming purity of methamphetamine produced by the Sinaloa Cartel, reaching nearly 97%. It also reveals an alliance between La Majiza and the Northeast Cartel, creating a robust network for smuggling fentanyl, crystal, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into the US. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is profiting from the ongoing conflict between Los Chapitos and La Majiza, further destabilizing the region. Adding to the concern, the DEA notes a worrying trend: the increasing mixing of fentanyl with other narcotics to enhance its addictive effects. This practice, according to the DEA's 2024 annual report, is creating new challenges in addressing the fentanyl crisis, despite a 24% decrease in the number of counterfeit pills seized compared to the previous year. Sebastian Gorka, the White House's director of counterterrorism, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating in an interview that over 500,000 Mexicans are working for the cartels, many under duress. He emphasized the Mexican government's responsibility to ensure that cartels do not control parts of the country. The DEA's report also details the geographical reach of these cartels, illustrating their control over vast territories in Mexico. The sheer volume of fentanyl seized—9,950 kg, a 29% increase from 2023—underscores the scale of the problem. The contrast between the significant seizures from Mexico (9,354 kg) and Canada (22.7 kg) further highlights the scale of the challenge. The DEA's assessment serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and the need for international cooperation to address this complex issue effectively.