Originally from Argentina, I was familiar with many of the scenarios similar to those detailed in Chapter 22 The Tequila Trail.
In addition to the issues explained, we were also subject to very corrupt government officials at all levels, that benefit/ed substantially from this form of piracy. I venture to say that in many cases the internal pirates were (are) not only worse than the external, but also the initiators of many of the deals.
I have to admit that it was my unfortunate experience that the only governments that could be trusted, to some extent, with the national economy were the military.
Does not say much, does it? Do you have similar information?