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The biggest cartels in the world as Mr Big 'works to shift kilos of cocaine'

An underworld source claims the Dubai-based gangster, who is wanted by cops across Europe, has built up international connections since moving to the Middle East.

Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera aka "el Chapo Guzman" (C), is escorted by marines(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Big, who is fuelling turf wars in Scotland, is working with some of the biggest cartels in the world to shift kilos of cocaine.

An underworld source claims the Dubai-based gangster, who is wanted by cops across Europe, has built up international connections since moving to the Middle East.


It's understood the hood has become close friends with the sons of Dutch cocaine baron Ridouan Taghi, a key ally of Daniel Kinahan in the European cocaine ‘super cartel’.


And it's claimed he also has a connection in South America through James White, who took over from the Gillespie brothers.

Supergang mobsters James and Barry ruled the most sophisticated gang ever seen in Scotland, but the pair are missing-presumed-dead after falling foul of South American gangs while hiding out in a Brazilian bolthole.

Here we take a look at the biggest cartels across the world.

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Clan del Golfo

Clan del Golfo is one of Colombia’s largest and most powerful drug cartels with its membership in the thousands.

Marlon Caballero became the leader of the Clan in 2020 after former boss Don Mario was jailed.

The primary source of the cartel’s income is from cocaine trafficking, but they are also involved in other illicit economies, such as illegal gold mining and extortion, from which it extracts significant profits.


Mocro Maffia

The “Mocro Maffia” is a nickname for a network of criminal organisations primarily operating in the Netherlands and Belgium, with a significant focus on drug trafficking.

They are known for their large-scale trafficking of cocaine and synthetic drugs throughout Europe, making them a dominant force in the continent’s drug trade.

Ridouan Taghi was known as the leader of the network before he was jailed for life in 2024.


Ridouan Taghi has been jailed in the Netherlands
Ridouan Taghi has been jailed in the Netherlands(Image: Daily Record)

Los Zetas

Los Zetas is a Mexican criminal syndicate and designated terrorist organisation, known as one of the most dangerous of Mexico’s drug cartels.


They are known for engaging in brutally violent “shock and awe” tactics such as beheadings, torture, and indiscriminate murder.

Members of drug gang "Los Zetas" Margarito Mendoza (R) and Carmen Zuniga (L)
Members of drug gang "Los Zetas" Margarito Mendoza (R) and Carmen Zuniga (L)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

While primarily concerned with drug trafficking, the organisation, run by Miguel Treviño Morales also runs profitable sex and gun rackets.


Los Zetas also operates through protection rackets, assassinations, extortion, kidnappings and other illegal activities.

Miguel Angel Trevino Morales
Miguel Angel Trevino Morales(Image: AFP/Getty Images)


Sinaloa Cartel

The Sinaloa Cartel, considered the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organisation in the Western Hemisphere, is a network of some of Mexico’s most important drug lords.

During its existence, the Sinaloa Cartel has forged connections at the highest levels of Mexico’s federal police and military, and has bribed members of both institutions to maintain an advantage over rival organizations.


It was run by one of the most well-known drug barons Joaquin Guzman Loera aka “el Chapo Guzman”. He is currently serving life in prison in the US after being extradited from Mexico.

Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada has since taken over.

Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera aka "el Chapo Guzman"
Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera aka "el Chapo Guzman"(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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The group is primarily involved in the international trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin, mostly to the United States.

Some factions are also involved in drug dealing and taxing other criminal networks, including human traffickers.

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