The problem is minimized with a well-regulated market, such as alcohol. Moonshiners exist, but the market is not big enough to sustain a national or international criminal organization like the cartels.
The end of national alcohol prohibition ended Mafia involvement in the alcohol trade. However, many states, especially in the South, maintained state prohibition for decades, and widespread dry counties Until the 1990s, most counties west of Fort Worth were dry until you reached the Far West Texas ranch country. There were plenty of local bootleggers supplying those who were not country club members. (The law seldom busted them as they were membership only private clubs where the local gentry hung out. An example may be seen in the 1970s movie, The Last Picture Show.)
I am no believer in the effectiveness of vice laws, including narcotics prohibition. However, the law is supposed to be based on moral principles. Before the 20th Century, these principles were Biblically based. Self-destructive behavior and violations of the sanctity of marriage and the family were considered legitimate cause for prohibition.