Reporting from Culiacan, Mexico - In the story making the rounds here in Mexico’s drug capital, the setting is a beauty parlor. A woman with wealth obtained legally openly criticizes a younger patron who is married to a trafficker. The “narco-wife” orders the hairdresser to shave the first woman’s head. Terrified, the hairdresser complies.
Urban legend or real? It almost doesn’t matter; it’s the sort of widely repeated account that both intimidates and titillates. And it highlights a disturbing trend: As drug violence seeps deeper into Mexican society, women are taking a more hands-on role.
In growing numbers, they are being recruited into the ranks of drug smugglers, dealers and foot soldiers. And in growing numbers, they are being jailed, and killed, for their efforts.
