Annual Increase in Drug Trafficking and Extortion in Mexico: A Detailed Analysis

Web Editor

August 20, 2025

two men standing under a tent next to a tree and flowers on a sunny day in the sun,, Ceferí Olivé,

Introduction to Causa en Común’s Report

According to an analysis conducted by Causa en Común, a Mexican non-governmental organization, there has been an annual rise in drug trafficking (narcomenudeo) and extortion cases between January and July 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The data, sourced from Mexico’s Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC), confirms a 13% increase in drug-related offenses and an 8% rise in extortion cases.

Narcomenudeo: A Closer Look

During the specified period, there were 61,145 cases of narcomenudeo reported in Mexico. This represents a significant increase from the 53,893 cases recorded in the same period of 2024, indicating a 7,252-case rise.

Extortion: An Escalating Concern

The number of extortion victims has also seen an 8% increase, with 6,880 cases reported from January to July 2025. In comparison, the same period in 2024 saw 6,358 reported cases.

Government Recognition and Response

The Mexican government, including President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and other federal officials, acknowledged the rise in extortion cases in July 2025. In response, they launched the National Strategy Against Extortion, which identified prisons (both federal and local) as key locations for telephone-based extortion.

Geographical Distribution of Extortion

The federal security cabinet reported that eight states account for 66% of the nation’s extortion cases. The Estado de México leads, followed by Guanajuato, Nuevo León, the Federal District (Mexico City), and Veracruz. Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán also feature prominently.

Other Crime Trends

Causa en Común’s report also documented 14,769 victims of intentional homicide between January and July 2025. This represents a 16.4% decrease from the 17,668 victims reported in the same period of 2024.

  • Question: Answer: 61,145 cases
  • Question: Answer: 7,252 more cases
  • Question: Answer: 8%
  • Question: Answer: 6,880 victims
  • Question: Answer: The Estado de México, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, the Federal District (Mexico City), Veracruz, Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán.
  • Question: Answer: There were 14,769 victims in 2025, a decrease of 16.4% from the 17,668 victims reported in 2024.