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A Historical Exploration of Contraband across the Rio Grande: The Inter-American Series

Hayden Mitchell

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Published in Border Contraband: A History Of Smuggling Across The Rio Grande (Inter America Series)

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Grainy Black And White Photograph Of Smugglers Crossing The Rio Grande On Horseback, With Bundles Of Contraband Strapped To Their Saddles. The River Is Wide And Murky, With A Strong Current. The Smugglers Are Wearing Wide Brimmed Hats And Dark Clothing, And Their Faces Are Obscured By Bandanas. Border Contraband: A History Of Smuggling Across The Rio Grande (Inter America Series)

The Rio Grande, a mighty river that forms the natural border between the United States and Mexico, has long been a conduit for illicit trade and smuggling. For centuries, people have crossed the river with contraband goods, ranging from alcohol and tobacco to weapons and drugs. The history of smuggling across the Rio Grande is a fascinating and complex one, and it is closely intertwined with the history of the border region itself.

The Early Years

The first recorded instance of smuggling across the Rio Grande dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers began to cross the river with contraband goods to avoid paying taxes. In the 18th century, smuggling became even more common as the border region became increasingly lawless. During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848),both sides used the Rio Grande as a route for smuggling supplies and weapons.

Border Contraband: A History of Smuggling across the Rio Grande (Inter-America Series)

by George T. Díaz

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5582 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

The Prohibition Era

The Prohibition Era (1920-1933) saw a dramatic increase in smuggling across the Rio Grande. With alcohol being illegal in the United States, smugglers began to transport large quantities of liquor across the river from Mexico. This illicit trade was so lucrative that it led to the rise of powerful smuggling organizations, such as the "Big Four."

The Drug Trade

In the 1960s, the drug trade began to overshadow alcohol smuggling as the primary source of illicit income for smugglers operating along the Rio Grande. Marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs were smuggled across the river in large quantities, and the drug cartels that controlled this trade became increasingly powerful and violent.

The War on Drugs

The United States government's War on Drugs, which began in the 1970s, has had a significant impact on smuggling across the Rio Grande. The increased border security measures that have been implemented as part of the War on Drugs have made it more difficult for smugglers to transport contraband across the river. However, these measures have also led to an increase in the violence associated with smuggling, as cartels have become more desperate to protect their profits.

The Present Day

Today, smuggling across the Rio Grande continues to be a major problem. The cartels that control the drug trade have become increasingly sophisticated and violent, and they are constantly finding new ways to smuggle their products across the border. The United States government continues to invest in border security measures, but it is unclear whether these measures will be able to stem the flow of contraband across the Rio Grande.

The Human Cost of Smuggling

The history of smuggling across the Rio Grande is not just a story of illicit trade and violence. It is also a story of the human cost of this trade. Thousands of people have died trying to cross the river with contraband, and many more have been injured or arrested. The smuggling trade has also had a negative impact on the environment, as smugglers often dump their contraband in the river or on the banks.

The history of smuggling across the Rio Grande is a complex and fascinating one. It is a story of greed, violence, and human suffering. However, it is also a story of resilience and determination. The people who live along the border have faced many challenges, but they have always found ways to survive and thrive.

Border Contraband: A History of Smuggling across the Rio Grande (Inter-America Series)

by George T. Díaz

4.8 out of 5