Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Secrets of Mexico's Drug War

International investigative documentary series. A look at the continuing success of the Sinaloa Cartel in the wake of its leader's arrest in February 2014.

The arrest of Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'el Chapo' Guzman in February 2014 was hailed as a victory in America's war on drugs, but the truth behind the capture could be just another murky chapter in the scandal-ridden history of US involvement in Latin America and the Mexican drug wars.

BBC2's award-winning This World strand investigates the American authorities' relationship with the biggest and most powerful criminal organisation in the world, the Sinaloa Cartel, a multi-billion dollar international corporation with franchises in 58 countries. Despite its leader's arrest, the cartel is still enjoying extraordinary success, and this programme examines allegations that the group has been given an easy ride in return for informing on other cartels.

High-level informants, immunity deals, government-sanctioned gun trafficking and a mysterious go-between charged with carrying messages between the DEA and the cartel: a picture emerges of a dirty war being fought with little regard to the thousands of victims of the violent conflict being fought for control of Mexico's drug-smuggling routes to America.

59 minutes

Credits

RoleContributor
DirectorElena Cosentino
ProducerElena Cosentino
Series ProducerSarah Waldron
Executive ProducerSam Bagnall

Broadcasts

  • Wed 11 Mar 201521:00
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Wed 11 Mar 201523:50
    BBC Two Scotland

Making This World

Making This World

This World film-makers tell their behind the scenes stories about making the programme.