The film follows several interrelated storylines that unfold across different locations and perspectives:
In Mexico: Javier Rodriguez (played by Benicio del Toro), a Mexican police officer, is tasked with fighting drug cartels in Tijuana. Despite his initial dedication to the job, Javier becomes disillusioned with the corrupt and violent nature of the drug war.
In Washington, D.C.: Robert Wakefield (played by Michael Douglas), a conservative judge appointed to head the Office of National Drug Control Policy, becomes embroiled in the complexities of the drug trade as he tries to tackle the issue from a political standpoint.
In San Diego: Helena Ayala (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones), the wife of a wealthy businessman (played by Steven Bauer), becomes involved in the drug trade after her husband is arrested and she takes over his operations to maintain their lavish lifestyle.
In Ohio: High school student Caroline Wakefield (played by Erika Christensen), Robert’s daughter, descends into drug addiction after experimenting with cocaine with her boyfriend Seth (played by Topher Grace).
As the storylines unfold, the characters’ lives become increasingly intertwined, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the drug trade:
Javier navigates the treacherous world of cartels, corruption, and violence, ultimately making a morally ambiguous decision to ensure his survival.
Robert grapples with the complexities of drug policy and the personal toll it takes on his family, as he struggles to understand and help his daughter overcome her addiction.
Helena becomes entangled in the dangerous underworld of drug trafficking, facing betrayal and violence as she fights to protect her family and maintain their privileged lifestyle.
Caroline’s descent into addiction serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of drugs on individuals and families, as she struggles to break free from the cycle of dependency and self-destruction.
In a gripping climax, the characters’ storylines converge, leading to moments of tragedy, redemption, and reflection:
Javier confronts the consequences of his actions and grapples with his own morality as he faces the reality of the drug war in Mexico.
Robert comes to terms with the limitations of his power and influence, realizing that the drug problem cannot be solved through political means alone.
Helena confronts her own complicity in the drug trade and makes a desperate bid to protect her family from the consequences of her actions.
Caroline reaches a turning point in her struggle with addiction, finding the strength to seek help and begin the long road to recovery.
As the film concludes, the characters are left to grapple with the complexities of the drug trade and its impact on their lives and society as a whole. “Traffic” offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of the war on drugs, shedding light on the interconnectedness of individuals and communities affected by the global drug trade.