In its Sunday magazine the New York Times published an article about the "Chapo" Guzmán where they point out his great business skills; his organization, they say, makes as much as Facebook. This news makes sense according to Forbes' list which has been including him for the last four years.
After Osama Bin Laden's death, "El Chapo" Guzmán is the world's most wanted man. His current wife, Emma Coronel, an American citizen, gave birth to twin girls a while ago in the United States without any problem. To this day she has no criminal record.
What magic formula does the Cartel of Sinaloa posses? According to author Patrick Rodden Keefe's investigation, in which the NY Times' article is based, it's a massive organization that may be composed of as many as 150 thousand employees, all of them with different activities some of which could be labeled as "outside of the cartel". Members include Mexican and American authorities.
It also brings up how some of the cartel's protection comes from marriages between its members and family of Mexican government's figures; this has also caused less violent confrontations in the streets.
The author talks about the empire's history. Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, is currently 55 which in the drug trafficking industry equates to 150 years. Usually the big Capos or leaders die much younger.
It is estimated that Sinaloa's Cartel produces about half of the illegal substances consumed in the United States; the main products being cocaine, heroin, marihuana and methamphetamines. One of the organization's most significant innovations have been the "narcotúneles" (drug tunnels) underground passageways used to smuggle drugs in and out from a certain territory, they are also used as temporary drug storage facilities. Then again, sending drugs via mailing services like Federal Express is quite inventive.
The criminal organization known as the Zetas is probably their strongest rival since they not only deal with illegal substances; they also have kidnappings, extortion and human trafficking in their repertoire. There is a rumor going around about President Felipe Calderón's government having an understanding with the Cartel of Sinaloa regarding that part of the equation.
Rodden also states that "El Chapo" Guzmán is exploring business opportunities in the Asian market and is already in some parts of Europe and Australia.
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