Yes, I have been thinking that also. With the FBI, media, etc. all over the place I am sure the cartel business has come to a hault, or close to it. That is what is hurting them, not the tourist trade loss.
But, although Beth Twitty may have some ideas about this, I am sure she only cares about finding her daughter. Any of the illegal activity being discovered might be enlightening, but I bet she is trying to just focus on Natalee. Unfortunately, perhaps, she might be learning things along the way, that no one wants known.
However, as long as the media keeps supporting her, interviewing her, watching her...she is safe. No one would harm her. But, without that spotlight, she could be in danger also.
I don't know if the post a few days ago about some relatives in Alabama receiving "threats" is true, but if what I am thinking has any speck of reality, perhaps they did, indeed, receive something that frightened them.
Sorry, what I meant was, their loss strengthens her hand.