An emotionally driven rant.
People go where there is opportunity.
People would not go to these illegal mines if they did not see opportunity there.
If the mines are being used for money-laundering, there is a good chance they pay better.
I lived in South Florida during the Cocaine Wars of the late 70s early 80s. It was one reason I left.
The money in circulation was so tainted that every dollar bill you could come into contact with would test positive for cocaine......................