Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman’s extradition could be handled differently from other past major kingpin extraditions, which were typically conducted via airplane and airports. At any time, Guzman simply could be driven across the border in the middle of the night to El Paso where he could also stand trial, making Texas a one-stop shop for both his extradition and the first of many potential trials. Continue Reading
There are times when an analyst or scholar must admit to being wrong about a prediction. This is one of those times. Shortly after Chapo Guzman’s second escape (Summer 2015), I predicted that the Mexican Marines (SEMAR) would kill Chapo… Continue Reading
The escape of Chapo Guzman, the most powerful drug trafficker in Mexico, was a humiliating setback for the administration of Enrique Peña Nieto. Guzman’s escape will force a government shift on extradition, embolden Mexico’s marines and may be a source for internal rifts… Continue Reading
The death last Friday of Galindo Mellado Cruz, reported as one of the “founders” of the powerful Los Zetas cartel, is a symbolic victory for Mexico. Mellado appears to have had limited to no operational command in Tamaulipas, according to… Continue Reading
Today, many analysts view Michoacán as a failed state within a state where the rule of law can no longer be guaranteed by the government. This sad state of affairs has been brewing for over a decade and has deep structural roots. In truth, Michoacán has never been well governed, and the Tierra Caliente region known for its hot climate and fertile agriculture has always produced tough caciques. Unfortunately, in the last few years what once appeared to be a governable avocado and lime basket has proven to be ungovernable. Continue Reading
Today Colorado became the first state in the union to allow retail recreational marijuana sales. The Internet is awash with stories documenting a moment that many may look back on as a watershed. I seek here to address what many… Continue Reading
Supporting change in the drug prohibition regime could significantly reduce drug cartel profits. As Mexico attempts to improve institutional frameworks to reduce violence, it suffers from the scourge of corruption that in turn hinders these reforms. In this sense, institutional strengthening and drug policy reform cannot be divorced. Peña Nieto has said that he is open to a debate on marijuana legalization, but that he is personally against it. Hopefully he will listen to the numerous voices of leaders in Mexico — such as former President Vicente Fox and Ernesto Zedillo — who are calling for graduated drug policy reforms in Mexico, including decriminalization policies. Continue Reading