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Drug Trafficking In El Paso Texas

Drug Trafficking in El Paso, Texas: A Harsh Reality

The Epicenter of the Drug Trade

El Paso, Texas – a city that sits right on the border with Mexico; has become a major hub for drug trafficking operations. It’s a harsh reality that this region has to face, with cartels and criminal organizations exploiting the city’s strategic location to smuggle drugs into the United States.The problem is massive, and it’s not just a local issue – it’s a national one. El Paso serves as a key entry point for drugs destined for markets across the country. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has labeled El Paso as a “major hub for Mexican opioids and methamphetamine enroute to the rest of the United States.”

It’s a scary thought, but the drugs that are flooding our streets and destroying lives could very well have passed through El Paso on their way to your city or town.

The Major Players: Mexican Cartels

The root of the problem lies with the powerful Mexican cartels that control the drug trade south of the border. These criminal organizations, like the Sinaloa Cartel and the Juarez Cartel, have been engaged in a violent struggle for control over the El Paso/Juarez plaza – a major drug smuggling corridor.These cartels are sophisticated operations, with highly defined command-and-control structures. They employ advanced security and communications techniques, and they’re not afraid to use violence and intimidation to deter law enforcement authorities, control their members, and secure smuggling territories.According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, “Mexican DTOs [Drug Trafficking Organizations] have strengthened their control over drug trafficking operations in the region by forming working alliances with street gangs, and outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) to transport, stash, and package illicit drugs and to assist in money laundering activities.”

The Drugs: A Deadly Cocktail

So, what exactly are these cartels smuggling through El Paso? Well, it’s a deadly cocktail of drugs that includes marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and even synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Marijuana

While marijuana might seem like the least harmful of the bunch, it’s still a major part of the drug trade in El Paso. According to the DEA’s El Paso Division, they seized over 1,800 pounds of marijuana in 2022 alone.

Cocaine

Cocaine is another major player in the El Paso drug trade. The city serves as a key transshipment point for cocaine destined for markets across the United States. In fact, the National Drug Intelligence Center notes that “the quantity of cocaine smuggled from the area to market areas in the eastern United States is increasing, particularly in Atlanta.”

Heroin

Heroin is a deadly drug that has ravaged communities across the country, and El Paso is no exception. According to the DEA, “Mexico will likely remain the primary source of origin for heroin transported to the United States, and both Mexican white powder and Mexican black tar heroin will continue to be the most prevalent types of heroin available in major U.S. heroin markets.”

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is another major threat that’s being smuggled through El Paso. The DEA’s El Paso Division seized over 3,400 pounds of methamphetamine in 2022, which is a staggering amount.