On the recordMarch 20, 1997
Many phrases have been used to describe the complex and sophisticated international drug trafficking groups operating out of Colombia and Mexico, and frankly, the somewhat respectable titles of ``cartel'' or ``federation'' mask the true identity of these vicious, destructive entities. The Cali organization, and the four largest drug trafficking organizations in Mexico--operating out of Juarez, Tijuana, Sonora and the Gulf region--are simply organized crime groups whose leaders are not in Brooklyn or Queens, but are safely ensconced on foreign soil. They are not legitimate businessmen as the word ``cartel'' implies, nor are they ``federated'' into a legitimate conglomerate.
Source
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