[Nadya]

The power of enforcement is given to those with power. The cartels hold more power (in dispensable cash, manpower, and weapons). They bribe whoever needs to be bribed to look the other way. Those who can't be bribed are threatened and everyone can be threatened. The brave and honest people get turned into examples... and with enough examples, there are no more brave and honest people left.

There are parts of the U.S that operate in the same manner. We have "bad cops" who use their position to help drug traffickers smuggle weapons and drugs. It's no different... you just hear it less in the media.