It's common Simon. The always inflate the numbers, and often the scope of any group be it small time local hood gangs or the biggest, Mafia included. Tony Salerno and the Genovese Family were once place on a list of the richest business in the world.
The cartels were big, no doubt, and they had more power in their countries than anyone, Mafia included, did. Look at the time El Chapo, who though in another nation than Escobar, had the power to get tunneled out of prison, with the guards looking the other way.

That is by the way a great piece you put up, very informative, and rare in a media that loves sensationalization over the truth. Thanks.