Mexico's a narco state. The old state can't compete; they're outgunned, out-financed, and, more importantly, Narcos are heroes to many, complete with a mythology and a genre of music ("narcocorridos").

Cartels do much more for their local "communities" than the Mexican state will ever do for them. If keeping that relationship going means flooding el norte with fentanyl and meth, who gives a shit if these gringos poison themselves? This is el capatalismo puro. If it means more Mexican citizens will be working for them . . . well . . . when hasn't the Mexican campesino been fucked over by everyone and who can blame them for providing for their families?