A New York Times investigation reveals that Mexican drug cartels, labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the US, are acquiring ammunition manufactured by the US Army.
A recent investigation by the New York Times highlights the alarming connections between Mexican drug cartels and the American military's ammunition production. Despite efforts from the US government, particularly under former President Donald Trump, to categorize the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and to combat drug trafficking in Latin America, these cartels have managed to procure military-grade munitions made by the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, the largest producer of rifle ammunition used by the US Army, located near Kansas City, Missouri.
The investigation begins with a violent incident on November 30, 2019, when a convoy carrying armed men entered Villa Unión, Coahuila, equipped with heavy machine guns and .50 caliber rifles. This confrontation underscores the serious implications of the findings, suggesting that the military-grade weapons possibly used by these cartels are directly sourced from the United States. The evidence highlights a troubling loophole in the regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of munitions, raising concerns about how these weapons are ending up in the hands of organized crime.
This revelation poses significant national security implications not just for Mexico but also for the United States. The ongoing feud between law enforcement and drug trafficking organizations continues to escalate, and the fact that cartels are equipped with military-grade weaponry speaks volumes about the challenges facing authorities. As officials grapple with these issues, the investigation calls for a reevaluation of arms control policies and increased scrutiny over munitions exports to prevent further violence and the destabilization of both nations.
