The cartels that control Mexico's mega market | DW Documentary

Mexico City's Central de Abasto: A Deep Dive

Key Concepts:

• Central de Abasto: Mexico City's massive wholesale market, a crucial food distribution hub.
• Cartel Extortion: The practice of cartels demanding payments from farmers and merchants.
• Diableros: Workers who transport goods within the market using dollies.
• Informal Economy: The prevalence of unlicensed vendors and cash transactions.
• Corruption: Systemic issues within the market administration.
• Avocado Trade: The economic and social impact of avocado production and export.
• Citizens Militia: Armed groups formed by citizens to combat cartels.

I. Central de Abasto: The Stomach of Mexico City

• Scale and Importance: The Central de Abasto is the largest market in North America, feeding Mexico City's 22 million residents. It spans 3 square kilometers and receives deliveries from over 50,000 vehicles daily.
• Economic Impact: Monthly turnover exceeds €600 million, making it a significant economic hub.
• Market as a City: The market functions as a self-contained city, with snack bars, banks, and even tattoo studios.
• Security Challenges: Due to the presence of cartels, the market requires heavy security, including armored vehicles and over 800 security personnel.

II. Security and Cartel Influence

• Police Presence: The police conduct patrols to ensure safety and combat crime, particularly robberies committed using motorcycles.
• Cartel Control: The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) controls the avocado and lime trade, resorting to violence against those who resist.
• Extortion: Merchants are forced to pay daily fees (50-100 pesos) to administrative officials, contributing to corruption.
• Fear and Silence: The pervasive fear of cartels prevents many from speaking out against extortion and violence.

III. Life and Work in the Market

• Roberto's Story: Roberto, a potato vendor, inherited his business from his father and supplements his income as a tattoo artist. He represents a success story emerging from a dangerous neighborhood.
• Diableros' Role: Diableros like Jose transport goods throughout the market, carrying up to a ton of wares for around €30 per 10-hour workday.
• Working Conditions: Many workers, including young people, face long hours and physically demanding jobs.
• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic disproportionately affected market workers, with many dying due to lack of protection.

IV. The Avocado Trade: A Green Gold Rush

• Rising Prices: Avocado prices have soared since 2021, with a 20-kilo crate now costing over €1,000, making them unaffordable for many Mexicans.
• Export Focus: Over 80% of the avocado harvest is exported to the US due to higher prices.
• Michoacán's Role: Michoacán is the center of Mexican avocado production but is plagued by cartel violence.
• Cartel Taxation: Cartels demand a "harvest tax" from avocado farmers, using violence to enforce compliance.
• Hernandez's Perspective: Avocado farmer Hernandez expresses concern about his children's future due to the unfair distribution of profits and the allure of illegal activities.

V. Citizens Militia and the Fight Against Cartels

• Epolito Mora's Story: Epolito Mora, a lime farmer, founded a citizens militia in 2013 to fight against cartel violence.
• Community Response: The community rallied behind Mora, but the militia faced brutal attacks from the cartels.
• Government Inaction: The government's failure to protect citizens led to the formation of militias.
• Tragic Outcome: Despite his efforts, Mora was assassinated in 2023, highlighting the dangers of standing up to the cartels.
• Fear and Intimidation: The cartels use violence and intimidation to maintain control, silencing those who speak out.

VI. The Crate Business: Recycling and Labor

• Crate Refurbishing: Yumo and his employees refurbish and resell wooden crates, providing a more affordable option for merchants.
• Dangerous Work: The work is physically demanding and dangerous, with workers climbing stacks of crates up to 25 meters high.
• Low Wages: Workers like Rosendo earn around €25 for a 13-hour workday, highlighting the low wages in the informal economy.
• Environmental Benefits: Recycling crates is environmentally friendly, reducing waste and creating jobs.

VII. Don Ramiro: A Success Story and Social Responsibility

• From Farmer to Millionaire: Don Ramiro, the son of an onion farmer, built a successful business, selling over 250 tons of onions daily.
• Job Creation: He employs close to 1,000 people, prioritizing job creation over automation.
• Social Consciousness: Don Ramiro is aware of the tough economic realities in Mexico and provides employment opportunities for those in need.
• Poverty and Living Conditions: Many workers live in extreme poverty, with families living within the market and struggling to afford basic necessities.

VIII. Corruption and the Informal Economy

• Hawkers and Fees: Traveling hawkers pay daily fees to the market administration for the right to sell without an official license.
• Lack of Transparency: The fees are not properly accounted for, and merchants accuse the administration of corruption.
• Protection Money: Merchants are forced to pay "protection money" to the administration, which functions like a mafia.
• Administration's Response: The market's general manager, Marcela Viegas, acknowledges the problem of corruption and claims to be fighting it from within.

IX. Milton's Struggle and Hope for the Future

• Daily Grind: Milton, a hawker, works 13 hours a day, 7 days a week, barely earning enough to feed his family.
• Education as a Path: He prioritizes his children's education, hoping they will have a better life away from violence and corruption.
• Resilience: Despite the challenges, Milton remains determined to provide a better future for his children.

X. Synthesis/Conclusion

The Central de Abasto is a microcosm of Mexico, reflecting both its vibrancy and its deep-seated problems. While it serves as a vital food distribution hub and provides livelihoods for many, it is also plagued by cartel violence, corruption, and extreme poverty. The stories of individuals like Roberto, Hernandez, Mora, and Milton highlight the resilience and struggles of those living and working within this complex ecosystem. The market's future depends on addressing these challenges and creating a more equitable and secure environment for all.