but honestly what’s the alternative?

Cartels only exist because they have the biggest illegal drug market next to them. The obvious alternative is decriminalizing drugs. Regulating the drug market, cutting their main source of income.

The smart ones would use their current resources to migrate to some legal business, and while I'm sure that some will still engage in kidnappings and practices such as the oft mentioned avocado trade, that's a drop in the bucket when it comes to their income.

Avocados won't buy them .50 rifles, armoured trucks, nor grenade launchers; they'll turn into mere thugs that won't stand a chance against any action against them.