The Cartels have started taking over Hyland Point, and they have proven their presence by burning down your trailer. You get to interact with them and complete their questline if you want to get on their good side. Or, straight up start a turf war by working on your drug selling skills to get the most customers to your side. This guide will explain how to unlock the cartel in Schedule I.
Cartel Quest Guide Schedule I

The Cartel quest unlocks after unlocking Westville and getting new customers. Westville is located on the western section of Hyland Point, and after reaching Hoodlum I rank, you get to interact with new potential customers. Give them a steady supply to keep up your relationship with them. Your relationship might get strained with the Cartel’s influence, so keep checking on them from time to time and give them what they need.
Eventually, as time goes on and after a day’s rest, you will receive a message from an unknown number. Check out the message option on your phone to find a text from Thomas Benzies. Your next goal will be to meet up with Thomas at the Taco Ticklers and look around for his black SUV. Taco Ticklers is located just across your spawn point, the Motel. Head over there and find the vehicle, then interact with Thomas to make a choice.
Agree or Refuse Thomas’ Deal

Agreeing to Thomas’ deal will form a Truce with him and his goons, while rejecting the deal will start a turf war and turn Thomas and his gang Hostile.
Thomas will propose that you sell large quantities of your products directly to him at wholesale prices several times a week. At the same time, he will instruct you to keep your business within Westville and Northtown only and refrain from going anywhere beyond that. In return, he promises not to destroy any of your properties or ambush your work, as long as you keep your end of the deal.
When the dialog options appear, ask further questions about how much money is included in the deal, and the amount of product required. If you like the proposition, go ahead and agree to the deal or refuse it.
Accept the Offer
This will turn Thomas’ status from Hostile to Truce, as long as the agreement carries on. When you check your map, some locations will be blocked due to cartel influence, disabling you from working in those areas. You will also receive product orders exclusively from Thomas.
Whenever you check your phone messages for products required by the cartel, produce them and drop them off at Hyland Manor’s mailbox. The Manor is located north of Taco Ticklers. If you wish to call off your agreement, text Thomas and tell him the deal is off, leading you to the second outcome.
Reject the Offer
If you refuse his offer, Thomas will turn Hostile and will work on hurting your business. All areas will be unlocked for you, but you have to reduce the Cartel influence to unlock all your clients. Backtrack to your past locations and work on getting your clients back while avoiding the cartel’s ambushes.
Unlocking new clients by speaking to anyone you encounter on the streets is also a way to get rid of cartel influence. If you find the cartel trying to deal in your turf, quickly intercept them to keep their influence down. If all this is too much for you, text Thomas and agree to his deal, keeping a truce with his terms.
Pickpocketing your potential clients will bring their relationship with you down, but is necessary to do if you want to get the Indian Dealer Achievement. Visiting the Pawn Shop and the Boutique will also help you sell or buy new items in Schedule I.