Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are created from man-made chemicals instead of natural ingredients. They include opioids such as fentanyl, as well as methamphetamine, ecstasy and LSD.

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3 Takeaways From the Mexico Peace Index 2023

NEWS / 31 MAY 2023

A new report has found that organized crime groups are overwhelmingly to blame for violence in Mexico, and the CJNG plays an oversized role.

Gulf Cartel Still ‘Public Enemy No. 1’ on US-Mexico Border: Homeland Security

NEWS / 18 MAY 2023

Despite the CJNG moving into Mexico's northern state of Tamaulipas, the Gulf Cartel remains the foremost security threat along the US border.

Is Mexico’s CJNG Pushing the Gulf Cartel From Tamaulipas?

NEWS / 17 MAY 2023

Some believe the CJNG’s invasion of Tamaulipas is all but a sure thing despite the Gulf Cartel’s historical roots, others are not convinced.

Mexico's Laws to Regulate Chemicals Work on Paper But Not in Practice

INVESTIGATIONS / 10 MAY 2023

Mexico's regulations concerning precursor chemicals is strong on paper, but rampant corruption means this is essentially meaningless.

Chemists and 'Cooks': How Fentanyl Kills

INVESTIGATIONS / 10 MAY 2023

While cooks produce vast quantities of fentanyl in makeshift labs across Mexico, they are watched over by a small group of expert chemists.

Brokers, More Than Mexico's 'Cartels,' Key to Precursor Flow

INVESTIGATIONS / 9 MAY 2023

Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG depend on a network of brokers to buy precursor chemicals needed to make fentanyl and meth.

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