Definition

1. Noun:
   • An illicit cartel formed to control the production and distribution of narcotic drugs: A "drug cartel" is a criminal organization, often structured as a syndicate or consortium, that is established to monopolize and manage the illegal trade of narcotics and other drugs. Its primary activities include overseeing production, smuggling, and distribution networks.

Usage

• The term "drug cartel" is used to describe large-scale, organized criminal enterprises in the illegal drug trade. It emphasizes the cartel's structured, business-like approach to controlling a market through coercion, violence, and corruption.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The government launched a major operation to dismantle the powerful drug cartel.
  • Drug cartels often use sophisticated methods to transport their products across borders.
  • Violence between rival drug cartels has escalated in the region.

Advanced Usage

• "to be linked to a drug cartel": to have connections or associations with such a criminal organization.
  • The arrested financier was allegedly linked to an international drug cartel.
• "cartel violence": violence perpetrated by or associated with drug cartels.
  • The city has been plagued by cartel violence for years.

Variants and Related Words

• Cartel (n): A general term for an association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and controlling competition. In an illegal context, it refers specifically to such associations in illicit trades like drugs.
• Narcotrafficking organization (n): A synonym often used in law enforcement and official contexts.
• Drug trafficking organization (DTO) (n): Another formal term for a group engaged in the illegal drug trade.

Synonyms

• Narcotics syndicate: A group combined to carry out illegal drug trade.
• Drug trafficking ring: A network of people involved in the illegal drug trade.

Related Phrases

• Cartel leader / drug lord: The individual who leads or controls a drug cartel.
  • The authorities finally captured the notorious cartel leader.
• Cartel territory: The geographical area controlled or heavily influenced by a specific drug cartel.
  • Entering that province means entering cartel territory.

Noun

1. an illicit cartel formed to control the production and distribution of narcotic drugs
   • drug cartels sometimes finance terrorist organizations