The Colombian drug cartels, particularly the Medellin and Cali cartels in the 1980s and 90s, played a major role in fueling the rise of the Mexican drug wars. Here’s how:

Power Vacuum:

• US pressure dismantled the Colombian cartels. This created a gap in the cocaine supply chain to the US.
• Mexican cartels, previously smaller players, saw an opportunity and stepped in to fill the void.

New Trafficking Routes:

• With Colombian routes disrupted, Mexican cartels became the crucial link between South American producers and the US market.
• This gave them immense power and control over the drug trade.

Increased Violence:

• Competition between Mexican cartels for control of smuggling routes intensified.
• This led to brutal turf wars, kidnappings, and killings, escalating the overall violence in Mexico.

Legacy of Instability:

• The Mexican cartels learned from the Colombians’ tactics of corruption and intimidation.
• This created a deeply entrenched system of drug trafficking that continues to plague Mexico today.

In essence, the Colombian crackdown on cartels created an opportunity for Mexican organizations. This power shift, along with the ruthless competition for control, is a significant factor behind the violence and instability that characterizes the Mexican drug wars.