Inside the Cartel

Inside the Cartel

For several years, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration put the distribution side of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel under a microscope. This series describes the detailed picture that emerged of how the cartel moves drugs into Southern California and across the United States.

Cocaine Road Map

Mexican cartels smuggle drugs across the U.S. through a web of independent distribution cells. The cells can move drugs from the border to the East Coast within days. The cells also return the cash proceeds to cartel bosses in Mexico. Roll over image for details. Click tabs to see other steps in the smuggling process.

Sources: Court documents, Times reporting by Tom Reinken and Richard Marosi. Graphic and interactivity by Raoul Rañoa / Los Angeles Times. Graphics are schematic.

Inside the Investigation: Evidence, Wiretaps and Testimony

Times staff writer Richard Marosi reviewed hundreds of pages of records, including DEA investigative reports, probable-cause affidavits, and transcripts of court testimony and phone surveillance. He also interviewed DEA agents, prosecutors and local law enforcement officers serving on DEA-led task forces, as well as two cartel operatives convicted in the investigation. View more key documents behind the Times series.

The angry psychic

The pilot’s spending trail

A load car on the move

Video Q&A

Richard Marosi explains how drug smugglers ply their trade. Click on a question below.