[mothballed]

Unless the government is planning an attack on the cartel[s] that is so existential that such action wouldn't be considered an escalation but rather a tic for tat.

A trapped animal will generally use all its facilities regardless of its expected effectiveness.

[beepbooptheory]

Remember that there is no "the" cartel, just so many different towns and interests and bribed officials. It makes it a significant (and perhaps convenient) misnomer dont get me wrong, but maybe important to remember.

Extremely good, highly researched book if you want to get angry at me or call me idiot!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_Cartels_Do_Not_Exist