What we mean by “cartels”

Criminal networks involved in drug production and trafficking, fuel theft, extortion, and other illicit markets. Alliances and rivalries shift by region and over time.

How to follow verified information

Rely on official bulletins, court filings, and on-the-record statements. Treat viral videos and anonymous maps with caution. We avoid guessing at body counts or naming groups without corroboration.

What changes the map

Arrests of key figures, port and corridor controls, local protection rackets, and federal-state coordination can move violence up or down in specific municipalities.

Reader takeaway

Focus on confirmed operations, charges, and territorial outcomes—not rumor. When in doubt, we say so.