Mariana van Zeller: Cartels exploit rural America’s weak law enforcement, the Sinaloa cartel’s fentanyl strategy reshapes drug trade, and the complexities of prosecuting drug crimes

Key takeaways

• Cartels are increasingly targeting rural America due to weaker law enforcement presence.
• Law enforcement often knows criminal locations but needs to catch them in the act for prosecution.
• Approximately 200 cartels are currently operating in Mexico, highlighting the complexity of the drug trade.
• The Sinaloa cartel’s early adoption of fentanyl production significantly boosted its dominance.
• Interview subjects often participate due to ego and the need to maintain a facade.
• Counterfeiters frequently lead…