The consolidation of the MFBMMFBM must be understood within MexicoMexicos larger security crisis and, as with the homicide decrease at the beginning of EPNEPNs presidency, local dynamics are crucial for understanding nationwide trends. Fuel trafficking has taken Mexico’s criminal networkscriminal networks’ presence beyond historic areas of operation and pushed their territorial expansion towards the country’s central regions. Interestingly, these enclaves are development hubs with thriving industries and trade connectivity, displaying growth rates surpassing the historically dynamic northern region