How Powerful are Mexico's Cartels, Really?

In the harsh, Mexican Badlands, the cartels rule all. Decades into an asymmetric war against each other and the nation's government, Mexico sprawling criminal syndicates so no sign of collapse any time soon.

They preside over an illicit industry that's worth billions every year, exerting unilateral control over territory, local governments, and the people unlucky enough to live in their path.

The idea that Mexico's cartels are powerful, that's not up the debate, but the question of just how powerful they've become that's another matter entirely. How formidable are their fighting forces when they're sent into the fray against Mexican state security?