For decades Mexico has been a center of violent and complex war on drugs. A conflict that has costs hundreds of thousands of lives, destabilized regions, and causing unnecessary spending. Despite countless government campaigns, many dollars spent, and international interventions, the end to the war on drugs in Mexico is still far to come.

The war on drugs in Mexico can be traced back to the 1980’s, when Columbian cartels shifted their smuggling routes through northern Mexico. Mexican criminal organizations saw the opportunity growing in power and in wealth. By the 90’s cartels had become major players in not just transporting drugs but now also producing them. Then, in 2006 the Mexican president declared a full on war against cartels hoping to shut them down.

Since 2006 over 350,000 people have been murdered in Mexico which has terrorized communities throughout the whole country. Journalists, civilians, and activists often find themselves in the crossfire or in the crosshairs for directly speaking out about the issues.

Why the War Still is going on:

Killing or capturing cartel leaders often leads to splintering rather than collapsing. Smaller groups or cartels try to rise up and this is what ends up starting up new stuff. Another reason is corruption, drug money infiltrates politics, law enforcement, and even the military. This doesn’t allow for the proper reform needed to try and stop the war on drugs in Mexico. Poverty and lack of opportunities make working for cartels attractive or even necessary for some financial situations in some communities which is devastating.

The war on drugs is not just a Mexican problem, it’s a shared tragedy involving global demand, failed policies, and social fractures. real solutions won’t come from militarized crackdowns alone, but from rethinking what security, justice, and public health truly mean. Until then Mexico’s war on drugs remains a battle without end.