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They seem to have become more powerful, no doubt. Their rise to power clearly relates to the drug trade and our USA policies. That said, if all drugs were legalized here today, I’m not sure how that would help solve the problems there, since many of the current activities, especially in terms of extortion, don’t seem to me to be directly related to the drug trade.

Organized criminals are brutal and heartless, but they are not stupid. They are diversifying their income streams. But as Rob pointed out, removing their primary source of income will put a big dent in their power and influence. Sadly, it will not rid the world of them. However, the longer Prohibition II is in place, the harder it will be to bring about a safer and more peaceful Mexico.

"Poor Mexico. So far from God, so close to the United States." -- Attributed to Porfirio Diaz

As did the rum runners during Prohibition I, the businessmen and women attempting to maximize profits switched to products that pack a greater punch in a smaller amount of product. Before Prohibition I, most alcohol consumed was beer and wine. Of course, if you are transporting contraband, you want to be able to transport as much product as possible in the smallest container possible. Hence, spirits became the product of choice for those supplying alcohol during Prohibition I.

Today, the suppliers of recreational pharmaceuticals are doing the same thing. At first, the move was to create the strongest strains of marijuana possible. This is why you often hear officious politicians decrying the fact that, "the marijuana of today is far stronger than 50 years ago." Well, duh! Of course, it is! It is stronger because you doofuses made it illegal! But could the suppliers find a smaller product with even more pharmacological punch that would be even more profitable?

Welcome to fentanyl! China is now the major supplier of this dangerously powerful drug, much of it making its way through Mexico. One can't help but see the echo of history here. It is certain the Chinese have not forgotten the Opium Wars of the 19th Century.

Fentanyl flow to the United States

But wait, there's more! A new drug is entering the market. It is much stronger than fentanyl and even accidental exposure from handling this drug can be deadly.

Carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl

We will never win the War on Drugs through Prohibition II. Never. All we will do is continue to throw away vast amounts of resources, fill prisons with hapless foot soldiers, and encourage stronger and more dangerous forms of intoxicants. We must acknowledge this as fact and find a better way to deal with the scourge and its devastating effects.

Of course, if you want to secure a job with guaranteed employment, become a DEA Agent. That's the real middle-class welfare system!