Two silhouettes of armed soldiers standing face to face with a background of water droplets and ripples on the surface — Criminal groups would seek to take control of the precious liquid | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Criminal groups would seek to take control of the precious liquid | La Derecha Diario

Water, the new loot for cartels: they seek to control the distribution of the liquid

CONAGUA has identified more than 5,000 illegal water intakes in the north of the country, nearly triple the number from five years ago

02/06/2025 18:00:00h

Editorial Team

Amid a historic drought, cartels such as CJNG and Sinaloa have found a new source of power: they are seeking to venture into water. Water has been a resource that is scarce in major cities across the country.

These groups drill pipelines, divert rivers, and control wells to supply illegal crops and sell the liquid on the black market. Meanwhile, thousands of families lack access to this vital resource. In less than eight hours, criminals steal up to 100,000 liters (26,417 gallons) of water, leaving entire communities without supply.

Three armed people move through trees in a forest with sunset light filtering through the branches.

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The cartels not only steal water, they also extort farmers and distributors. In regions such as Sinaloa, "Los Chapitos" impose illegal fees on those who transport water, forcing producers to pay quotas to maintain supply. This practice has caused a clandestine market where the price of water skyrockets, affecting the local economy and food security.

Lack of government action.

Despite complaints and evidence, authorities have shown a limited response. The National Water Commission (Conagua) has identified more than 5,000 illegal taps in the north of the country, nearly triple the number from five years ago. However, penalties are scarce and impunity prevails.

The absence of an effective plan on the part of the Morena government has allowed organized crime to grow stronger. The lack of oversight and corruption in water distribution systems has made it easier for the cartels to control this essential resource.

People filling buckets and barrels with water from a large hose in an urban area under the sun

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Consequences for the population

The appropriation of water by criminal groups has left entire communities without access to the liquid.

In places such as Mazatlán, Sinaloa, authorities have detected more than 2,000 illegal taps in the urban area alone. Residents face shortages, while the cartels profit from the illegal sale of water.

Potable water tanker filling a blue container with a hose on the public road

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The situation is critical and requires an immediate response. The lack of action on the part of the government not only worsens the water crisis, but also strengthens organized crime.

It is imperative to implement effective and transparent policies to regain control over water resources. Authorities must guarantee equitable access to water for all citizens.

➡️ Mexico