Mexican cartels are often portrayed in media as shadowy, violent organizations that operate outside the bounds of law and morality. While much of this portrayal is rooted in truth, there’s also a bizarre and unexpected side to these groups that rarely makes headlines. From their peculiar business strategies to their strange cultural influences, Mexican cartels are more complex—and weird—than you might think.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most unusual and lesser-known facts about Mexican cartels. These stories are thrilling, sometimes shocking, and always fascinating. Buckle up—this is going to be a wild ride. All The Weird Facts About Mexican Cartels!
1. Cartels Have Their Own Saints
One of the strangest aspects of Mexican cartel culture is their devotion to folk saints. The most famous of these is Santa Muerte (Saint Death), a skeletal figure often depicted as a robed grim reaper. Santa Muerte is not officially recognized by the Catholic Church, but she has a massive following among cartel members, who see her as a protector and provider of safe passage.
Cartel members often carry Santa Muerte statues, light candles in her honor, and even build shrines dedicated to her. Some cartels have been known to dress her in miniature versions of their own uniforms, blending spirituality with their criminal identity. It’s a bizarre mix of faith and fear that highlights the unique cultural landscape of cartel life.
2. They Use Gold-Plated Guns and Diamond-Encrusted Weapons
Mexican cartels are known for their flamboyant displays of wealth, and their weapons are no exception. Some cartel leaders have been found with gold-plated guns and diamond-encrusted firearms. These aren’t just tools of violence—they’re status symbols, designed to intimidate rivals and showcase their power.
One infamous example is the “Golden AK-47” seized from a cartel leader, which was covered in intricate engravings and adorned with precious stones. While these weapons are certainly eye-catching, they also serve as a reminder of the cartels’ immense resources and their ability to operate with near impunity.
3. Cartels Have Their Own Private Zoos
In a bizarre twist, some cartel leaders have been known to keep private zoos filled with exotic animals. These zoos are a symbol of their wealth and power, showcasing animals like lions, tigers, and even rare species like white tigers.
One of the most famous examples is the private zoo of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. When authorities raided his compound, they found a menagerie of exotic animals, including lions and panthers. These zoos aren’t just for show—they’re also used to intimidate rivals and demonstrate the cartel’s dominance.
4. They’ve Built Secret Tunnels for Smuggling
Mexican cartels are infamous for their ingenuity when it comes to smuggling drugs across borders. One of their most impressive feats is the construction of secret tunnels that stretch for miles underground. These tunnels are equipped with lighting, ventilation systems, and even rail tracks for transporting goods.
One of the most elaborate tunnels was discovered in 2020, stretching over 1,300 feet from Mexico to the United States. It was equipped with a rail system, electricity, and a ventilation system, making it one of the most sophisticated smuggling tunnels ever found. These tunnels are a testament to the cartels’ resourcefulness and their ability to operate on a massive scale.
5. Cartels Have Their Own Music Genre: Narcocorridos
Music plays a significant role in Mexican cartel culture, particularly through the genre of narcocorridos. These are ballads that tell the stories of cartel leaders, their exploits, and their struggles. Narcocorridos are often controversial, as they glamorize the cartel lifestyle, but they’re also incredibly popular.
Artists like Los Tigres del Norte and Chalino Sánchez have become famous for their narcocorridos, which are often commissioned by cartel members themselves. Some cartels even have their own in-house musicians who create songs specifically for them. It’s a strange blend of art and crime that highlights the cultural impact of cartels in Mexico.
6. They’ve Used Submarines to Transport Drugs
When it comes to smuggling, Mexican cartels have taken creativity to a whole new level. In addition to tunnels, they’ve also used homemade submarines to transport drugs. These submarines are often built in remote jungles and can carry tons of cocaine or other narcotics.
One of the most famous examples is the “narco-sub” seized by authorities in 2019. The submarine was over 50 feet long and capable of carrying up to 8 tons of drugs. It was equipped with a periscope, air conditioning, and a GPS system, making it a high-tech smuggling vessel. The use of submarines shows just how far cartels are willing to go to evade law enforcement.
7. Cartels Have Their Own Fashion Trends
Believe it or not, Mexican cartels have influenced fashion trends in Mexico and beyond. The “narco-fashion” trend includes everything from cowboy boots and designer jeans to gold chains and flashy belt buckles. Cartel members often dress to impress, using their clothing as a way to display their wealth and status.
One of the most iconic pieces of narco-fashion is the “buchón” style, which includes tight jeans, pointed boots, and oversized belt buckles. This look has become so popular that it’s now a staple in certain regions of Mexico. It’s a strange example of how cartel culture has permeated everyday life.
8. They’ve Used Drones for Surveillance and Attacks
In recent years, Mexican cartels have embraced modern technology, including drones. These drones are used for a variety of purposes, from surveillance to smuggling drugs across borders. Some cartels have even weaponized drones, using them to drop explosives on rival groups or law enforcement.
One of the most shocking examples occurred in 2020, when a drone carrying explosives was used in an attack on a rival cartel. The explosion caused significant damage and highlighted the growing sophistication of cartel tactics. It’s a chilling reminder of how technology is being used in the world of organized crime.
9. Cartels Have Their Own Recruitment Strategies
Recruiting new members is a key part of cartel operations, and they’ve developed some unusual strategies to attract talent. One of the most surprising is their use of video games to recruit young people. Cartels have been known to create their own video games that glamorize the cartel lifestyle, using them as a tool to lure in new recruits.
These games often feature missions where players carry out cartel-related tasks, such as smuggling drugs or evading law enforcement. While they may seem harmless, they’re part of a larger effort to normalize the cartel lifestyle and attract young people to their ranks.
10. They’ve Built Their Own Communication Networks
To avoid detection by law enforcement, Mexican cartels have built their own private communication networks. These networks include everything from encrypted messaging apps to their own radio frequencies. Some cartels have even set up their own cell phone towers to ensure secure communication.
One of the most famous examples is the “Narco Antenna,” a makeshift cell tower used by cartels to communicate in remote areas. These networks allow cartels to coordinate their operations without fear of interception, making them even more difficult to track.
11. Cartels Have Their Own Social Media Presence
In the age of social media, Mexican cartels have found new ways to promote their image and intimidate rivals. Many cartels have their own social media accounts, where they post videos, photos, and messages. These posts often showcase their wealth, power, and influence, serving as a form of psychological warfare.
Some cartels have even used social media to issue threats or claim responsibility for attacks. It’s a strange and unsettling example of how cartels have adapted to the digital age.
12. They’ve Used Food Trucks for Smuggling
In a bizarre twist, Mexican cartels have been known to use food trucks for smuggling drugs and other contraband. These trucks are often disguised as legitimate businesses, complete with menus and cooking equipment. However, hidden compartments are used to transport drugs, making them difficult to detect.
One of the most famous examples occurred in 2018 when a food truck was found to be carrying over 1,000 pounds of marijuana. The truck was equipped with a hidden compartment that could only be accessed through a trapdoor on the floor. It’s a clever—and weird—example of cartel ingenuity.
13. Cartels Have Their Own Holiday Celebrations
Despite their criminal activities, Mexican cartels often celebrate traditional holidays like Christmas and the Day of the Dead. These celebrations are often lavish affairs, with cartel leaders hosting parties and giving gifts to their members. Some cartels even distribute food and toys to local communities as a way to gain favor.
One of the most famous examples is the Sinaloa Cartel’s Christmas parties, which are known for their extravagant decorations and live music. These celebrations are a strange mix of festivity and danger, highlighting the complex nature of cartel culture.
Conclusion
Mexican cartels are a fascinating and terrifying part of modern history. While their violent activities are well-documented, there’s also a strange and surreal side to their world that often goes unnoticed. From their devotion to folk saints to their use of submarines and drones, cartels are as bizarre as they are dangerous.
These weird facts offer a glimpse into the complex and often contradictory nature of cartel life. They remind us that even in the darkest corners of the world, there’s always something unexpected waiting to be discovered.
What’s the weirdest fact you’ve heard about Mexican cartels? Let us know in the comments below!
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.