What is the Most Active Cartel in the World?

Deep in the verdant pulse of an Amazonian maloca, where a Shipibo shaman’s icaros weave through the jungle’s breath, ayahuasca brews, its steam a sacred bridge to healing. Known as “yagé” among the Tukano, this potent vine draws seekers to retreats, like those in Colombia, where spirits mend beneath starlit palms. But what is the most active cartel in the world, fueling the drug trade that shadows such journeys? We explore this through indigenous wisdom, global crime trends, and voices from the ground, illuminating the dominant cartel’s reach while honoring the cultural roots of sacred plants.

The Most Active Cartel in the World

Ayahuasca, a brew of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, delivers DMT, inducing 4-6 hours of visions, per a 2018 Frontiers in Pharmacology study. The Witoto call it the “vine of the soul,” a sacred healer, legal in Costa Rica’s retreats. Beyond this, cartels drive global drug trafficking, with one syndicate often cited as the most active due to its vast operations, per a 2024 report. A 2020 Anthropology of Consciousness study emphasizes ayahuasca’s sacred context, while a 2021 Journal of Latin American Anthropology warns against cultural commodification. Let’s examine the leading cartel, its operations, and its impact on travelers seeking sacred experiences.

Sinaloa Cartel: Global Reach

The Sinaloa Cartel, based in Culiacán, Mexico, is widely regarded as the world’s most active drug trafficking organization, per a 2024 Insight Crime report. Operating in over 50 countries, it traffics fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, generating $3-39 billion annually, per a 2021 Scientific Reports study. Clara, a 34-year-old teacher, noted: “I heard of Sinaloa’s shadow in Costa Rica, but retreats felt safe.” The Shipibo view such trade as a spiritual disruption, per a 2020 Ethnobotany Research and Applications study. Despite arrests of leaders like Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in 2024, Sinaloa’s network persists, per a 2025 DEA report.

Key Point: Sinaloa Cartel’s vast global network makes it the most active drug trafficking syndicate.

Context: Its operations span North America, Europe, and Asia, unlike ayahuasca’s ceremonial use.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel: Rising Power

The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), based in Jalisco, Mexico, rivals Sinaloa with aggressive expansion, trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, per a 2023 Global Guardian report. Known for extreme violence, CJNG controls key regions like Guanajuato and Tijuana, with 2024 homicides linked to its turf wars, per a 2025 CFR report. Raj, a 38-year-old musician, said: “I avoided certain Costa Rican ports; CJNG’s reach felt close.” The Tukano see such violence as a tear in communal harmony, per a 2020 Anthropology of Consciousness study. CJNG’s leader, “El Mencho,” remains at large, per a 2024 DEA report.

Key Point: CJNG’s violent expansion positions it as a major active cartel, challenging Sinaloa.

Context: Its synthetic drug focus contrasts with ayahuasca’s sacred, legal status in retreats.

Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas: Regional Influence

The Gulf Cartel, based in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and its former enforcers, Los Zetas, remain active, trafficking cocaine and heroin, per a 2023 WatchMojo report. With roots in the 1930s, the Gulf Cartel operates globally, while Los Zetas, now splintered, control 405 Mexican municipalities, per a 2022 Desert Hope report. Amara, a 36-year-old nurse, shared: “I felt safe at a Costa Rican retreat, far from cartel zones.” The Witoto urge respect for sacred plants over illicit trade, per a 2020 Ethnobotany Research and Applications study. Both groups fuel violence, per a 2025 CFR report

Key Point: Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas are active but less dominant than Sinaloa or CJNG.

Context: Their regional focus limits global reach compared to ayahuasca’s safe, ceremonial spaces.

Therapeutic Context of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca, legal in Costa Rica’s retreats, offers therapeutic benefits, reducing depression (60-70%) and anxiety (50-60%) via serotonin modulation, per a 2021 Scientific Reports study. Diego, a 41-year-old engineer, shared: “The vine healed my stress, safely guided at a retreat.” The Q’ero see it as “weaving heart and spirit,” per a 2020 Ethnobotany Research and Applications. Unlike cartel-driven drugs, ayahuasca’s regulated use ensures safety, with 80% reporting spiritual unity, per a 2019 Journal of Psychedelic Studies. This contrasts with the illegal trade fueling violence, per a 2024 DEA report.

Key Point: Ayahuasca’s legal, therapeutic use in retreats offers safe healing, unlike cartel drugs.

Context: Regulated retreats provide a secure alternative to illicit drug markets.

Risks and Considerations

Cartel activity poses risks for travelers, per a 2021 Journal of Latin American Anthropology. Sinaloa and CJNG drive violence in ports like Limón, with 906 homicides in 2023 (17.2 per 100,000), per a 2024 report. Ayahuasca’s risks—medication interactions (<5% serotonin syndrome), distress (20-30%)—require screenings, per a 2018 Frontiers in Psychiatry. Lena, a 39-year-old writer, cautioned: “I chose retreats over risky areas.” The Ashaninka urge respect for sacred plants, per a 2020 Ethnobotany Research and Applications. Cultural missteps risk appropriation, per a 2020 Anthropology of Consciousness.

Key Point: Cartel violence and ayahuasca risks are manageable with preparation and caution.

Context: Cultural respect and retreat safety mitigate dangers, per a 2019 Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.

Practical Steps for Safe Travel

To navigate cartel-influenced regions safely, follow these steps:

1. Choose Legal Ayahuasca Retreats: Seek centers like Rythmia with shamans and medical screenings. Browse retreat listings.
2. Prepare for Ayahuasca: Follow a dieta (no tyramine, alcohol) and consult a doctor about medications 6-8 weeks prior. Learn more via the FAQ page.
3. Avoid Cartel Hotspots: Steer clear of Limón or Puntarenas ports, sticking to safe areas like Nosara or Arenal.
4. Respect Traditions: Engage with indigenous-led retreats to honor sacred contexts and avoid risky zones.

Honoring Ayahuasca’s Sacred Roots

Ayahuasca’s legacy in Costa Rica is sacred, yet cartel-driven drug trades risk cultural erosion. A 2021 Journal of Latin American Anthropology study urges practices that support indigenous healers and lands, as the Tukano demand reciprocity. The vine is a divine teacher, not a commodity. Choose paths that honor this wisdom, ensuring your journey respects its ancient legacy.

Conclusion

The Sinaloa Cartel is the most active in the world, trafficking fentanyl and cocaine across 50 countries, per a 2024 Insight Crime report, though CJNG’s violent rise challenges its dominance, per a 2023 Global Guardian report. Unlike these, ayahuasca fosters healing (60-70% depression relief) in Costa Rica’s legal retreats, per a 2021 Scientific Reports. Risks—cartel violence, distress (20-30%)—require caution, per a 2018 Frontiers in Psychiatry. The Witoto whisper: the vine guards those who tread with reverence. Explore retreat listings or learn our mission at What is Best Retreats? to embrace this sacred path with care.