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Secrets of Mexico's Drug War

International investigative documentary series. A look at the continuing success of the Sinaloa Cartel in the wake of its leader's arrest in February 2014.

The arrest of Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'el Chapo' Guzman in February 2014 was hailed as a victory in America's war on drugs, but the truth behind the capture could be just another murky chapter in the scandal-ridden history of US involvement in Latin America and the Mexican drug wars.

大象传媒2's award-winning This World strand investigates the American authorities' relationship with the biggest and most powerful criminal organisation in the world, the Sinaloa Cartel, a multi-billion dollar international corporation with franchises in 58 countries. Despite its leader's arrest, the cartel is still enjoying extraordinary success, and this programme examines allegations that the group has been given an easy ride in return for informing on other cartels.

High-level informants, immunity deals, government-sanctioned gun trafficking and a mysterious go-between charged with carrying messages between the DEA and the cartel: a picture emerges of a dirty war being fought with little regard to the thousands of victims of the violent conflict being fought for control of Mexico's drug-smuggling routes to America.

59 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Elena Cosentino
Producer Elena Cosentino
Series Producer Sarah Waldron
Executive Producer Sam Bagnall

Broadcasts

Making This World

This World film-makers tell their behind the scenes stories about making the programme.