Video games are being used by Mexican drug cartels as a new way to lure individuals into their risky and deadly operations. Cartels have traditionally relied on locals and word of mouth to expand their ranks, but it's no surprise that in the digital age, they're turning to the internet to recruit new members.
Drug Cartels Are Reportedly Using Grand Theft Auto To Recruit Runners
By
Haider Ali in
News
On 2nd February 2022
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After being approached by a bloke named 'George' on GTA Online, a woman was detained for attempting to smuggle 60kg of methamphetamine, according to Forbes.
When George messaged Alyssa Navarro, she indicated she was playing the traditional game. They began an internet acquaintance that supposedly evolved into a Snapchat friendship.
Credit: Alamy
He reportedly offered her a job driving an electronics shipment across the US-Mexico border.
According to George, the 'runner' job might pay her up to $2,000 every trip.
Despite her initial skepticism, she eventually accepted the deal and consented to drive a Jeep Cherokee to Mexico, where she claims she was supposed to hand over the keys to a man named Alfredo.
Credit: Alamy
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Border agents halted the car in Arizona, where they allegedly discovered a meth shipment stashed within the petrol tank.
She's subsequently pled not guilty to conspiracy to import and sell methamphetamine, as well as possession, according to Forbes.
It validates fears that Mexican drug gangs are developing new methods of recruitment, which could be difficult to detect or block.
Authorities were taken aback last year when they found a cartel contacting minors using mobile phone games.
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In October, Ricardo Meja, Mexico's assistant public safety secretary, stated that on the online game platform Free Fire, an 'apparent cartel recruiter' chatted to three boys aged 11 to 14.
They were given $200 per week to work as lookouts for the gang in northern Mexico.
The three were apprehended before they could begin working, and officials realized that to defeat the cartels, they needed to focus on online games.
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Organized drug syndicates use games like Call of Duty, Gears of War, and Grand Theft Auto V to recruit members, according to Mejia.
According to ABC News, authorities believe recruiters select these games because they are 'violence-soaked' and are typically played by young boys who are 'fascinated by weaponry and somewhat desensitized to killing, at least on a virtual level.'