tes Organization, based in Juarez, is still involved in the trafficking of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Following Amado's death, gang warfare within Mexico and in U.S. border towns escalated, affecting traffickers and innocents alike(Shaffer, 1990). While the full impact of Amado Carrillo-Fuentes' death has not been totally assessed, it is clear that it caused a power struggle that resulted in approximately 60 drug-related murders in the Juarez area between August 1997 and September 1998 (Shaffer, 1990). Nevertheless, the Juarez Cartel continues to function effectively under several members formerly under Amado's command. One such member, Vicente Carrillo-Fuentes, Amado's brother, is now considered the leader of the organization. Vicente is wanted in Mexico and is under indictment in the Western District of Texas for operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise. The Amezcua-Contreras organization, based in Guadalajara, Mexico, and run by brothers Luis, Jesus, and Adan Amezcua-Contreras, is one of the most prominent methamphetamine trafficking organizations operating today, as well as the leading supplier of chemicals to other meth-trafficking organizations. By exploiting the legitimate international chemical trade, they hold an important key to producing meth on a grand scale. In June 1998, Jesus and Luis were arrested by Mexican authorities on non-drug-related charges. By October 1998, all criminal charges were dropped by a Guadalajara judge (www.angelfire.com). Nevertheless, the Government of Mexico re-arrested Jesus and Luis on Provisional Arrest Warrants issued in the United States. The warrants were based on a June 1998 indictment originating from Southern California. It charged the brothers with operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, as well as conspiracy to possess ephedrine (www.angelfire.com). On May 19, 1999, Adan, arrested in November 1997 on weapons charges and then re...
