Four competing drug cartels are extorting avocado producers in Michoacán, Mexico, showing how the fruit is becoming an increasingly important source of illicit profits in the context of shifting criminal dynamics in the state.
The Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG), the Nueva Familia Michoacana, the Tepalcatepec Cartel and the Zicuirán Cartel are all involved in this growing criminal economy, according to Michoacán’s attorney general.
Michoacán produces over 80% of Mexico’s avocados, with an annual export value of around US $2.4 billion, earning the fruit the nickname “green gold.”
The cartels charge a monthly protection payment from avocado producers, calculated per hectare cultivated or kilogram exported. Those who fail to make the payments may be kidnapped or killed. One distributor’s daughter was assassinated at the door of his business, El País reported.
In addition, avocado theft is rampant. At least four truckloads of the fruit are stolen every day in the state, according to the Guardian.
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