Part of the "Tracking Cartels Infographic Series," this brief details the violence in Michoacán over control of the avocado trade. It includes these key discussion points:
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A “green gold rush” is happening in central Mexico, as avocado production has become increasingly lucrative for cartels to exploit as part of their criminal diversification strategy.
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CJNG is competing violently with the Nueva Familia Michoacana, Tepalcatepec Cartel, and Zicurián Cartel to dominate this growing criminal economy in Michoacán state, the world’s top avocado producing area.
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CJNG exercises extortion schemes against avocado producers, and those who fail to make payments may be kidnapped or killed.
Publication Information
Henkin, Samuel. 2020. "The Pits: Violence in Michoacán Over Control of Avocado Trade." College Park, MD: START (June). www.start.umd.edu/pubs/JointCOEProject_TrackingCartels03_AvocadoTrade_ResearchBrief_June2020.pdf