The Cartel

The Cartel typically refers to an organized group involved in illegal activities, most notably drug trafficking. These organizations operate with coordinated strategies to produce, transport, and distribute illegal substances, often using violence and corruption to maintain control. They function like a business cartel—enforcing rules, managing supply chains, and competing with rivals—except their operations are criminal, causing significant social and economic harm. The term highlights their structured, hierarchical nature, making them powerful players in illegal markets and challenging law enforcement efforts to dismantle their networks.