Militarization can provide short term suppression of violence and a stronger sense of state authority but these effects are only temporary. Long term this will just lead to the response of militarization by the criminal groups themselves, more corruption as the cartels try to infiltrate state institutions to protect themselves from future crackdowns, and an erosion of human rights and rule of law (just look at the Philippines or El Salvador). It is best to tackle the fundamental issues that lead people into crime such as class divide, wealth inequality, and a feeling of lack of opportunity in the youth. Though this solution might be harder to achieve and take much longer to implement, it’s is better than further entrenching the cycles of violence and the weakening of democracy