Drug Cartel Activity on the Rise – These Small Towns Are Most at Risk

Colorado police are warning of drug cartels infiltrating the state, a clear signal for America’s future.

At a glance

• Authorities in several countries link the cartel activities to perpetrators of Cuban or Mexican descent.
• The DEA believes that cartels have a local presence because of the profitability of illegal marijuana.
• The DEA’s “Operation Cash Out” targets the cartels’ financial proceeds, specifically the fentanyl trade.

Increasing presence of drug cartels

Colorado has become a battleground for drug cartels that are using the state’s legalized marijuana industry to entrench themselves more deeply in American society. Law enforcement agencies have noted a disturbing link between the rise of illegal grow operations and cartel activity. Cartels are adapting, expanding into new urban and rural communities, and exploiting economic sectors to expand their malign influence.

Authorities in El Paso, Teller and Pueblo counties have identified numerous individuals with ties to Cuban and Mexican cartels who are involved in illegal activities. The situation is so serious that Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado Springs) and 4th Judicial District Attorney Dan May have publicly acknowledged the presence of cartels in the state.

In addition to Aurora, Colorado, the city was also hit by a Venezuelan gang that took over apartment complexes. The shopping area is an epicenter of crime, with businesses closing their doors and shoppers and customers fearing for their safety. photo.twitter.com/A7G30LxNyR

— Cartel Watch (@CartelWatchNet) August 31, 2024

DEA’s perspective and initiatives

Rocky Mountain DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge, David Olesky said: – “Both as a society, as law enforcement and outreach, we are looking for partners in that financial world to combat the cartels. The cartels will take any opportunity to launder their money. First, it is greed. It is to move money, to make billions of dollars,”

These groups are said to have diversified their activities, including the production and distribution of fentanyl, which poses a serious threat to public health and safety. The high profitability of fentanyl has exacerbated the problem, as significant funds flow back to the cartel’s headquarters in Mexico. The DEA’s Operation “Cash Out” aims to disrupt this financial flow, targeting money laundering practices used by cartels.

The chaos in Colorado following the Venezuelan gang takeover is a painful reminder of why we need strong borders and real security.

My SAFER at the Border Act will ensure that DHS cannot release migrants who are Known or Suspected Terrorists or Special Interest Aliens. It’s common sense—the… photo.twitter.com/XFCsc3pwZ3

— Congressman Nick Langworthy (@RepLangworthy) August 30, 2024

Impact on local communities

Colorado communities are struggling with rising crime linked to these drug networks. Interestingly, local law enforcement sometimes uses last names and country of origin to identify cartel members, complicating efforts to dismantle these sophisticated organizations. Despite the challenges, the DEA continues its operations and has seized more than 2.6 million fentanyl pills in 2023 alone. In response to this growing threat, state and local governments are channeling resources to more effectively combat the illicit trade.

National implications

The escalating cartel problem in Colorado is a stark warning to the nation. As cartels continue to entrench themselves in various states, taking advantage of lax immigration policies and porous borders, this is an urgent call to action for policymakers. It is imperative that measures are taken to stem this tide of crime, with an emphasis on increased oversight and international cooperation to prevent these criminal networks from flourishing further.

The future security and cohesion of our communities depend on timely, decisive action to address these challenges. The message is clear: we cannot allow these insidious influences to gain a greater foothold. Vigilance and robust countermeasures are essential to protect the well-being of the country from these growing threats.