7 Cartels Control Illegal Vape & Cigarette Sales in Mexico

A new report by the civil organization Defensorxs, in collaboration with journalist Óscar Balderas, has exposed the deep involvement of seven major criminal organizations in the illegal sale and distribution of vapes and cigarettes across Mexico. Titled “Smoke, Vaping, and Power,” the document highlights how cartels are diversifying their revenue streams through contraband tobacco, vape trafficking, and extortion (“cobro de piso”) of merchants.

The investigation reveals that at least 2 out of every 10 cigarettes consumed in Mexico come from the black market, generating estimated annual profits of 15 to 20 million pesos for these criminal groups. The seven identified organizations controlling this illicit trade are:

• Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG): With a presence in nearly all 32 states, the CJNG has allied with the “Tobacco Cartel” to extort merchants and establish pirate cigarette factories. They also reportedly operate companies repackaging Asian vapes and are exploring transgenic tobacco cultivation.
• Sinaloa Cartel: The “Los Chapitos” faction shows significant interest in vape sales, operating in most states.
• La Nueva Familia Michoacana: Controls regions like Tierra Caliente by employing locals to sell counterfeit or repackaged stolen cigarettes. They use their own distribution network with custom barcodes to track sales and enforce extortion payments.
• Gulf Cartel: Known for hijacking tobacco shipments on highways near the Texas border for resale. They have even created their own vape brands, such as “Lagger” and “Shuter,” imported from Asia for sale in the US.
• Northeast Cartel: Focuses on selling vapes in schools and workplaces in states like Tabasco and Veracruz.
• Cárteles Unidos: Engages in highway robbery of tobacco and extortion of merchants.
• La Unión Tepito: Operates in central Mexico, allied with the CJNG to control markets and extort distributors into selling their specific brands.

This expansion into the tobacco and vape black market represents a strategic move by cartels to secure steady income through illicit trade and coercion, posing significant challenges to public health and security in Mexico.

• Reference: Humo, vapeo y poder: el nuevo negocio del crimen organizado

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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