Drug cartels have become Mexico’s 5th-largest employer, employing millions of people in the country. The cartels have expanded their operations to include legitimate businesses, such as agriculture, construction, and transportation, in addition to their illegal activities.
According to a report by the Mexican think tank, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the drug cartels employ around 2.5 million people in Mexico, which is roughly 3.5% of the country’s workforce. This number is expected to continue to grow as the cartels become more sophisticated and diversified in their operations.
The cartels’ employment of millions of people has significant implications for the Mexican economy. It has created a large and lucrative market for goods and services, which has contributed to the country’s economic growth. However, it has also led to a number of negative consequences, including increased violence and corruption.
The cartels’ influence extends beyond their illegal activities to their legitimate businesses as well. They have invested in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, and transportation, which has created jobs and stimulated economic growth. However, this has also led to concerns about the cartels’ control over the economy and their ability to use their power to manipulate the market.
In addition to their employment of millions of people, the cartels have also become major players in the Mexican economy. They have invested in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, and transportation, which has created jobs and stimulated economic growth. However, this has also led to concerns about the cartels’ control over the economy and their ability to use their power to manipulate the market.
The cartels’ influence on the Mexican economy is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As the cartels become more sophisticated and diversified in their operations, they are likely to continue to expand their reach and influence in the country. This has significant implications for the Mexican economy and society, and it is likely to be a major challenge for the government and other stakeholders in the coming years.