After Six Decades of the War on Drugs, What Works?

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by Maria Abi-Habib

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

After nearly six decades of the War on Drugs, efforts to dismantle cartels and stop the flow of illegal drugs have largely failed to achieve lasting success. Despite the U.S. and its allies spending significant resources to kill drug lords and disrupt cartels, new groups continue to emerge, often more violent than their predecessors. The recent killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the powerful Jalisco Cartel, highlights this pattern. While his death is a significant blow to the cartel, it is unlikely to cripple the organization in the long term. The group has shown resilience by evolving into a complex network capable of adapting to challenges and maintaining its operations. The Jalisco Cartel, also known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), operates as a conglomerate with branches across Mexico. Its activities extend beyond drug trafficking, including avocado farming for export to the U.S., migrant smuggling, and other illicit ventures. The cartel’s ability to diversify its operations has made it even more formidable. Experts suggest that eradicating such groups requires a long-term strategy focused on addressing the root causes of drug production and trafficking rather than just targeting individual leaders. The ongoing conflict in Mexico has led to increased violence and instability, not only within the country but also spilling over into the U.S., where drug cartels continue to traffic narcotics. This underscores the interconnectedness of the drug trade across borders and the need for a more comprehensive approach to tackle the issue. Analysts warn that military efforts alone are insufficient; instead, addressing systemic issues like corruption, poverty, and demand for illegal drugs in consuming nations is essential. The failure of traditional military strategies has led to calls for alternative approaches, such as focusing on reducing drug consumption, improving governance, and supporting communities affected by cartel violence. The persistence of cartels like the CJNG serves as a reminder that the War on Drugs is far from over and requires innovative solutions to achieve meaningful progress.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026