Jalisco was formed when it split from the Sinaloa Cartel in 2010, and the two trafficking organisations are now fighting a bloody turf war to control the supply of drugs through the south of Mexico
The discovery of remains at a training camp in Mexico has given a unique insight into the brutal training methods of the notorious Jalisco Cartel. The criminal syndicate based in Mexico’s Jalisco state are believed to have run the site where human remains and hundreds of personal belongings were found.
The feared organisation, which is partly responsible for the extraordinary surge in the country’s murder rate, has been found to have “recruited” new members by dragging them from bus stations or with false security guard job offers. Once in the mob’s clutches, the trainees would be subjected to gruelling gunpoint training sessions.
A US Drug Enforcement Agency investigation crowns the Jalisco cartel as one of the most powerful drug trafficking organisations in all of Mexico. The gangsters were originally part of the Sinaloa cartel, but split from the group following the military killing of Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel Villarreal in 2010. Now the two organisations are at war, fighting to control the southern part of the country.
For their turf war, the gangsters need soldiers, and a new investigation has revealed the deceptive methods they use to recruit new members. It appears that the drug traffickers have their own social media marketing unit after trends emerged on TikTok showing young adults sharing their intention to become cartel triggermen.
In one video, a man who identified himself as Ángel “N” said: “I am 21 years old and I am going to work as a sicario [contracted killer] for the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación. Nobody is forcing me, I am doing it of my own free will…I am from the State of Mexico.”
In a second video, a woman called Guadalupe said: “I am 32 years of age, I live in the State of Mexico and I am going to become a sicario for the four letters (referring to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel).”
Similar videos have been shared by dozens of other social media users. They express plans to join the Comando Calavera – which is responsible for the states bordering Michoacán and Jalisco. The Comando Calavera is said to be based in three municipalities, one of which, Teuchitlán, was where the training and execution ranch was found.
A Mexican journalist infiltrated a cartel WhatsApp group, where young adults all over Mexico are attracted to the violent organisation with job offers including free housing and meals. For the perks, they’re told they need to complete just a month-and-a-half training period. It adds that they will be isolated from the outside world during that time.
Once the member is on board, they’re picked up by a taxi. The driver takes a photograph of them and sends it on to another senior member of the cartel. They are then taken to a training centre, where they are forced, sometimes at gunpoint, to learn how to be a sicario.