I also believe we need to just go no mercy on the cartels. Go pass the Mexico fed guv and take them out, families and all.
We need to treat them like we treat ISIS and Al Qeada, as their tactics are no different. If it needs to be covert, so be it.
Let the up and coming cartel replacements know they'll be taken out the same no mercy way, and do so. Make them never want anything to do with cartel biz again, and keep pounding them until no one wants to even be associated with them in the least. Make them kryptonite to anyone nearby. It will be messy, but it's the only way.
Mexico government will be pissed, but f them if they balk.