The Deadly Grip of Cartels: Violence and Chaos in Mexico's Resort Areas

Mexican cartels are engaging in a bloody turf war, turning popular tourist destinations into zones of fear. A private investigator shares insights into the escalating violence and the chilling tactics used by these ruthless criminal organizations.

Mexico's once-tranquil resort areas have become a battleground for warring cartels, leaving residents and tourists living in fear. Private investigator Jay Armes III, who specializes in kidnappings in Mexico, has witnessed firsthand the escalating violence.

"It's just a Tuesday in Mexico," Armes told Fox News Digital. "The violence is relentless."

Four major cartels are vying for control of the lucrative tourist industry, leading to a surge in killings, kidnappings, and extortions. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel are among the most powerful and ruthless, operating not only in Mexico but also in all 50 states of the United States.

The cartels' ruthless tactics include beheading victims, dumping bodies in public places, and threatening businesses that refuse to pay protection money. In recent months, there have been several incidents of tourists being targeted, including the deaths of American surfers in Acapulco and Baja California.

"Anyone can be killed for anything," Armes said. "The cartels are operating with impunity, and the government seems powerless to stop them."

The cartels' influence extends beyond Mexico's borders. In the United States, they have flooded major cities with fentanyl and methamphetamine, fueling a deadly drug crisis. The DEA's National Drug Threat Assessment report details the cartels' operations, from production to distribution, and warns that their reach is expanding.

"The deadly reach of the Mexican Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels into U.S. communities is extended by the wholesale-level traffickers and street dealers bringing the cartels’ drugs to market, sometimes creating their own deadly drug mixtures," the DEA report says.

"Together, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels have caused the worst drug crisis in U.S. history."

The DEA is actively targeting the cartels through operations such as "Last Mile" and "Overdrive," seizing millions of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine. However, despite these efforts, the cartels continue to operate with relative freedom in Mexico's resort areas.

"The rules have changed," Armes said. "These places are no longer safe for tourists."

Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has downplayed the cartel violence and resisted international pressure to crack down on the organizations. His administration has focused on social programs and poverty reduction, but critics argue that this approach has not been effective in combating the cartels.

The release of El Mencho's brother, Abraham Oseguera, after his arrest sparked outrage and demonstrated the cartel's influence over the Mexican justice system. The decision to let Oseguera go free sent a chilling message to law enforcement and emboldened the Jalisco cartel.

"The cartels are operating with impunity," Armes said. "They have no fear of the police or the government. The people of Mexico are living in a state of terror."

As the turf war continues, the future of Mexico's resort areas remains uncertain. Tourists are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas known to be controlled by cartels. The cartels have shown a willingness to use violence against anyone who stands in their way, and the safety of civilians is no longer guaranteed.

"Mexico is a beautiful country with so much to offer," Armes said. "But until the cartels are defeated, it will be difficult for tourists to feel safe and secure."