Title: Drug trafficking organizations - Wikipedia
Headings: Drug trafficking organizations
Drug trafficking organizations
Contents
History
Organization and structure
Structure
Mexican DTOs
Colombian and Dominican DTOs
Asian DTOs
Impact of DTOs
Finance, violence and terrorism
Gang involvement
Combating drug trafficking organizations
Enforcement
Public health
References

Content: Situations such as Mexico and Afghanistan today may support this claim, and perhaps, extend further connecting funds to terrorist groups. Mexican DTOs
Mexican drug trafficking organizations have taken control of the US market in recent years, superseding Dominican and Colombian groups that held it for decades. These groups began as hierarchical with clear and defined leadership and a ladder of command down to the street dealer. In response to increasing law enforcement efforts and understanding of this system, many Mexican DTOs have shifted their command structure to an equally organized, but more independent system of decentralized cells. According to a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Initiative (HIDTA) in the Midwest, the Mexican DTOs have "compartmentalized duties, employed advanced security and communications techniques, gathered intelligence, and used violence and intimidation to control organization members and secure smuggling territories." With a state of virtual lawlessness, futile domestic enforcement efforts, and rampant corruption fueled by the drug money, Mexico has grown into a massive drug producer. Production is unmatched when it comes to marijuana, heroin, and cocaine with methamphetamines an increasing trend. Colombian and Dominican DTOs
Colombian and Dominican DTOs operate in hierarchical command structures and often launder money into non-drug legitimate industries such as real estate and high income businesses as an investigation by ICE learned in 2010 where a multibillion-dollar Colombian DTO was taken down. Controlling the US market for many years, these groups established undetectable transportation techniques and became deeply connected to domestic gangs. The insurgence of Mexican DTOs has brought increased violence and competition for large cities and territory control.