Mexico has recently been plagued by a harsh drought, which has reduced crops of marijuana for illegal drug cartels.  According to Commander of army forces in the state of Sinaloa, Pedro Gurrola, the lack of rains has significantly impacted the planting of marijuana.

Gurrola said that army surveillance flights revealed fewer plantations than in previous years.

The drought’s impact on growing unfortunately has not had the same impact on the prominence of Mexican drug cartels.  Gurrola explained that cartels are resorting to making synthetic drugs.  Mexican authorities are working to seize chemicals used to make synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine, in order to keep drug cartels at bay.