10 Reasons To Fear Mexico's Drug War

It all started in the 80s.

Mexican Federal Police Agent Miguel Gallardo a.k.a. "The Godfather" controlled the entire drug trade between the U.S. and Mexico. Gallardo's massive power grew under the protection of the CIA, whose puppet, Miguel Haro, was head of the Mexican Federal Security Directorate. In the late 80s, Gallardo decided to split his control amongst several more manageable groups, now known as the Mexican drug cartels. Perhaps this decision didn't sit well with the brass, as Gallardo was arrested soon after dividing his empire and is doing 40 years in prison. With no central control, the cartels have been at war ever since. And now the war is coming to America…

Gallery by Hal Stanton.