The term “cartel girls” refers generally to the increasing number of women who are involved in various aspects of Mexican and Latin American drug cartels and organized crime networks

. This involvement ranges from low-level roles like drug mules and lookouts to high-ranking positions such as lieutenants, money launderers, and even cartel bosses, sometimes referred to as “Las Patronas” (the female bosses) or “Cartel Queens”. 

Roles and Reality

• Diverse Involvement: Women are found at all ranks, including “sicarias” (female assassins), and some have risen to lead operations, often taking over after a male partner’s arrest.
• Sensationalism vs. Reality: The media has often sensationalized the roles of these women, focusing on a “narco-aesthetic” involving plastic surgery, designer goods, and social media photos with weapons. However, the reality for tens of thousands of women involved is often one of extreme violence and danger, with many being recruited for the lowest and most expendable tasks.
• Vulnerability and Exploitation: Many women are victims of sex trafficking or forced labor, and migrants are frequently subject to sexual assault by criminal organizations.
• Notable Figures: High-profile women who have been associated with cartels include Sandra Ávila Beltrán (“The Queen of the Pacific”), Emma Coronel Aispuro (wife of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán), and Griselda Blanco (“The Godmother of Cocaine”). 

In Popular Culture

The involvement of women in cartels has inspired books, telenovelas, and documentaries. 

• “Cartel Crew”: There is a reality TV series called Cartel Crew which follows the descendants of drug cartel members.
• “Cartel Girls” as a business name: “Cartel Girls” is also used as the name of an “exclusive agency” representing creators on social media platforms like Instagram. 

Overall, the term highlights a complex and often tragic aspect of organized crime, where women’s roles have expanded significantly, challenging traditional male-only stereotypes.