Arellano Felix Organization, also known as AFO, is a notorious Mexican drug trafficking organization that has been a significant player in the illegal drug trade for several decades. The organization was founded by the Arellano brothers, Benjamin and Rodolfo, in the 1980s and has since grown to become one of the most powerful drug cartels in the country. This article aims to provide an overview of the AFO’s history, operations, and its impact on the drug trade and Mexican society.
Established in the late 1980s, the Arellano Felix Organization started as a small-time gang in Tijuana, Mexico. The brothers, Benjamin and Rodolfo, were initially involved in street-level drug dealing and extortion. However, their ambition and ruthless tactics quickly propelled them to the top of the drug trafficking hierarchy. By the early 1990s, the AFO had expanded its operations to include the transportation and distribution of cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine across the United States and Canada.
The AFO’s rise to power was marked by a series of violent conflicts with other drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Juarez Cartel. These clashes often resulted in numerous deaths and left a trail of destruction in their wake. The organization’s members were known for their extreme violence and were responsible for some of the most brutal executions and massacres in Mexican history. Despite the intense competition and bloodshed, the AFO managed to maintain its dominance in the drug trade.
One of the key factors contributing to the AFO’s success was its sophisticated network of distribution channels and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The organization employed a variety of methods to transport drugs, including the use of clandestine tunnels, hidden compartments in vehicles, and even drones. The AFO also had a well-organized hierarchy, with different cells responsible for various aspects of the drug trade, such as production, transportation, and distribution.
However, the AFO’s reign of terror did not go unnoticed by Mexican authorities. In the early 2000s, the Mexican government launched a series of military operations aimed at dismantling the organization. These efforts resulted in the capture and death of several top AFO leaders, including Benjamin Arellano Felix, who was apprehended in 2002. Despite these setbacks, the AFO has managed to maintain a presence in the drug trade, with new leaders emerging to take their place.
The Arellano Felix Organization’s impact on Mexican society has been profound. The organization’s activities have contributed to the country’s high levels of violence and insecurity, as well as its economic problems. The drug trade has also had a devastating effect on communities, leading to increased rates of addiction, crime, and corruption. Despite ongoing efforts by Mexican authorities to combat the AFO and other drug cartels, the organization remains a formidable threat to the country’s stability and security.
In conclusion, the Arellano Felix Organization is a powerful and ruthless drug trafficking organization that has left an indelible mark on Mexican society. Its history is one of violence, corruption, and greed, and its legacy continues to haunt the country today. As the Mexican government and other international actors continue to fight against drug cartels, the future of the AFO and its impact on the region remain uncertain.
