Mexican Cocaine most commonly refers to cocaine that is trafficked by Mexican drug cartels from South America through Mexico into the United States and other markets.
Mexican Cartels and Cocaine Trafficking
Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of powdered cocaine for the North American market.
- Source: The coca plant is primarily grown in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Mexican cartels often have direct alliances with South American criminal groups, like the ELN in Colombia, to source the cocaine.
- Route: The drug is typically moved by sea from Colombia to Central America or Mexico, and then primarily by land across the U.S./Mexico border. The U.S. authorities estimate that close to 90% of the cocaine entering the country crosses this border.
- Distribution: Once in the U.S., the cartels utilize vast distribution networks to supply communities across the country.
The business is highly profitable, with estimated illicit financial flows from cocaine exports to the U.S. averaging billions of dollars annually. The trade is associated with significant violence and corruption.
Mexican Coke (Nostalgia Product)
Separately, “Mexican Coke” can also refer to the commercially available, legitimate Coca-Cola produced in Mexico and imported into the U.S.. This version is typically sold in a glass bottle and is sweetened with natural cane sugar, as opposed to the high-fructose corn syrup used in the standard American formula, which some consumers believe offers a better taste.
Legal Status
Cocaine is an illegal and dangerous substance. Possession, manufacturing, and distribution carry severe legal consequences in both Mexico and the United States. Mexican law, however, does have provisions that decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, including up to half a gram of cocaine, for “personal and immediate use”.
