Garibaldi: A precious pearl for drug cartels

On Friday, an armed group of men dressed as mariachis opened fire using pistols and rifles, injuring eight and murdering five people in the Garibaldi square.

Garibaldi

borders Mexico City ’s notorious Tepito neighborhood , home to La Unión gang , who is said to be behind a surge of drug-dealing and extortion .

The Garibaldi square is key for the drug cartels from the city center, and its referred to as La Perla ( The Pearl ). And yes, with over 5,000 visitors every day, and up to 7,000 visitors on weekends, Garibaldi is quite possibly one of the main areas in the city where you can buy alcohol and drugs 24/7.

That's the reason why La Unión de Tepito , led by Roberto Moyado Esparza, El Betito , who is in prison, and their enemy, Fuerza Anti-Unión, led by Sergio Flores Concha, El Tortas , is fighting for its control. Mexico City's Public Security Ministry estimates that there are at least 500 drug dealers around La Perla .

They sell weed, cocaine, and crystal meth to visitors.

Back in December , El Tortas ' group murdered Moyado Esparza's lieutenant in Garibaldi , a drug dealer identified as El Richi . His body was found in the heart of the Tepito neighborhood , with the Anti-Unión mark on his chest.

After “cleaning Garibaldi ”, Flores Concha left Víctor Barajas as his lieutenant, but he was executed by La Unión Tepito last March . Nevertheless, the drug sale was continued by his wife, who died after Friday's attack in Garibaldi .

The investigation reveals that El Betito 's followers are trying to recover La Perla , which generates millions in profits.

Mexico City's Public Security Ministry

has deployed 300 officers in an urgent operation to inhibit criminal activities in Mexico City's center , Tepito, Guerrero, and Garibaldi , the areas disputed by La Unión Tepito and La Fuerza Anti-Unión.

Garibaldi's harsh reality

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