/ 14 February 2022

Mexican cartels target a different kind of commodity…

Image source: Unsplash
Image source: Unsplash

But this time, it’s not drugs they’re wheeling and dealing – it’s limes. The zesty fruit that’s a feature of Mexican cuisine is expensive and in short supply across the country thanks to cold weather and export markets going gangbusters. Amid that, cartels are imposing increasing controls over producers to fund their criminal gang wars. “The lime trade is a billion-dollar industry and, for any criminal group, it’s very easy and extremely profitable for them to go to the farmers and tell them what they need to pay for protection,” says analyst Romain Le Cour. And it’s not just the citrus flavour-bombs that are being targeted – it’s avos as well. The Mexican Government has sent in 2,800 troops to one of the hardest-hit areas, but analysts say Mexican and American diners can expect the prices of their tacos and margaritas. Lucky here in Oz, our lime and avocado supply is mostly locally grown.

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