NCJ Number
155857
Journal
American Spectator Volume: 24 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 22-25
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Colombia's largest cocaine syndicate, the Medellin Cartel, has not been daunted by the arrest of its leaders and U.S. investigations of its money launderers; now reorganizing, and just as ruthless as ever, the cartel is learning from its past mistakes.
Abstract
The Medellin Cartel is regrouping under younger, more sophisticated, and more dangerous leadership. Cartel leaders control peasants in Peru and Bolivia who grow coca leaves for a living so that peasants do not branch out into their own businesses. Further, cartel members do not hesitate to employ violent means, including assassinations, to achieve their goals and are not intimidated by government efforts to stop their activities. Characteristics of past cartel leaders, including Carlos Lehder and Pablo Escobar, and those of younger leaders now emerging are described. Tensions between the Medellin Cartel and the Cali Cartel are noted.