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This paper analyzes the relationship between democratization and drug trafficking in Mexico, underlining the mutual determination between both elements. On the one hand, it examines the transition's effects on the dynamics of drug trafficking and criminal groups; on the other hand, it shows the impact that the strengthening of drug trafficking has on Mexico's democratization process and the establishment of a unique hybrid regime. The hypothesis is that the strengthening of drug trafficking was the product of unintended consequences, which worsened with the transition to democracy, and that drug trafficking has played a significant role in the consolidation of a hybrid regime in which the weakness of the rule of law and the functioning of government stand out as the main dimensions that would have to be addressed in order to correctly orient the course of democratization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]