Extortion schemes impact meat industry in Morelos, Mexico

Butchers in Cuautla, Morelos, have reported an extortion scheme that controls the meat supply chain and dictates pricing. According to local merchants, criminal groups have operated this system for approximately five years, affecting businesses in Cuautla, the Los Altos region, and eastern Morelos.

The mechanism involves criminals delivering meat products to businesses and demanding cash payments by midday. Merchants claim they are forced into a monopoly where they cannot choose suppliers or negotiate prices. One merchant reported that while a pig carcass might cost approximately 2,000 pesos in the State of Mexico, the extortion-controlled system charges up to 3,500 pesos.

Those attempting to bypass the system by sourcing cheaper meat from the State of Mexico or Mexico City face threats. Merchants have alleged that some colleagues were killed after attempting to find alternative suppliers.