It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Cartel Power: Assassinations, Fentanyl Profits, and America’s Border Crisis

How powerful are the cartels really—and what do the numbers reveal about their reach, money, and influence?

On this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky is joined by Border Hawk White House correspondent Wid Lyman for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving cartel landscape following the assassination of a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

They break down the real numbers behind cartel operations, including:

The scale of cartel presence across 40+ countries

How fentanyl transformed cartel profits into a multi-billion-dollar empire

The shocking rise in violence across 15 Mexican states after the hit

The hidden role of “legitimate” U.S. businesses in cartel money laundering

Why cartel leaders with U.S. ties could reshape operations going forward

How border crackdowns are impacting cartel revenue—and what comes next

Plus, they explore whether Latin America’s political shift toward tougher crime policies could finally limit cartel power—or simply force cartels to adapt.

This episode uncovers the data, strategy, and reality behind one of the most dangerous criminal networks in the world—and why it matters for America’s border, economy, and national security.

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