By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
A Sinaloa Cartel Linked Gang Has Attacked Seven Bars in Cancún So Far This Year
Arizona Gun Store Owner Re-Arrested on Terrorism Support Charges for Selling to CDS & CJNG Straw Buyers
"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
Laurence Gray, 65, of Hereford, Arizona a former FFL (federal firearms licensee) under Grips By Larry, and owner of gun store The Other Guys Guns & Ammo is the first US citizen to be charged for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Conspiracy to Provide Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization in relation to arms trafficking.
Monday, March 30, 2026
Sinaloa Cartel Officer "El Payin" Killed by Probable Car Bomb Outside Mexico City
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Sinaloa Cartel officer Francisco Beltrán “N” alias "El Payin" was killed when his vehicle exploded just after arriving at Felipe Angeles International Airport just outside Mexico City yesterday afternoon.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Narco Hats: A Look at the Cartel Merchandise Industry
El Armadillo for Borderland Beat
A Google image search for "Mayiza gorras" returns dozens of results. One snapback features a gold "MF" and a horse, the logo used to represent Ismael "Mayito Flaco" Zambada Sicairos, the current leader of the Sinaloa Cartel faction built by his father Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. Another displays a large M topped with a sombrero, a reference to El Mayo himself, known as El M Grande and El del Sombrero. A third reworks the iconic MASECA corn flour logo, replacing the brand name with "MAYIZA." They range from coded to relatively overt. An outsider might scroll past the MF horse logo without a second thought, while the MASECA parody at least puts a recognizable name in front of anyone paying attention. The hats are listed on Amazon, eBay, and Mercado Libre. All of it is available to anyone willing to place an order.
Narco fashion has been evolving alongside the drug war for over a decade. But the hats do not come from nowhere. In Mexico, particularly among young men, custom-designed snapbacks and fitted caps have their own culture that has nothing to do with cartels. Designers produce intricate, detailed work, the scene prizes craftsmanship and exclusivity. These are not simple baseball caps. They are collectors' items. The narco hat market grafts itself onto this existing infrastructure. The production methods are the same, the distribution channels are the same, the audience overlaps. The difference is the imagery.
Commandante Galindo, Alleged Regional Operativa Delta CJNG Leader in Mexico State, Arrested
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Federal and state authorities carried out a joint operation that led to the capture of Ramiro Ulises “N,” alias “Commandante Galindo,” who is believed to head the “Operativa Delta” cell of the CJNG in eastern State of Mexico.
Federal and state authorities carried out a joint operation that led to the capture of Ramiro Ulises “N,” alias “Commandante Galindo,” who is believed to head the “Operativa Delta” cell of the CJNG in eastern State of Mexico.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Argentina Designates Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación As a Terrorist Organization
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
This morning, the Argentine government declared the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) a terrorist organization. The designation, the first in Latin America, signals alignment with the Trump administration at a time when close ties with Washington translate into domestic political benefits.
The Mayo-Zetas Mob Fragments in Zacatecas
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Ah, the infamous snitching before a camera while pertaining to a famous cartel.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Interested in organized crime in Mexico? Borderland Beat is seeking contributors!
Borderland Beat is currently seeking new contributors.
We’re looking to expand our regional coverage and are especially interested in writers with knowledge of underreported areas. If you follow organized crime, security, or regional developments and have been looking for a platform, we’d like to hear from you.
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Banana Farmer Eduardo Ochoa Arias Found Dead After Kidnapping in Colima
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Eduardo Ochoa Arias, a banana producer and exporter in Colima, was found dead after being abducted on March 13 in Cerro de Ortega (near Tecomán) by an armed group while traveling through nearby agricultural areas close to the Michoacán border.
17,000 Liters of Precursor Chemicals for Synthetic Drugs Seized in Guanajuato
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Guanajuato police arrested two men who were transporting over 17,000 liters of chemical precursors used for making synthetic drugs without documentation on the on the Morelia–Salamanca highway.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Two Police Officers Gunned Down in Villa Juárez, San Luis Potosi
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Two Guardia Civil Estatal officers were killed in a torrent of gunfire in the town of Villa Juárez, San Luis Potosi yesterday morning. Authorities surged forces to try and locate the culprits, but were unable to find them.
Seven Electricians Released after Kidnapping in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
After two days of being held captive by a criminal group in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, seven electricians who were kidnapped while traveling to a job site were released. One of the workers stated in an interview that he believes the criminal group sought to recruit them for an electrical project.
Monday, March 23, 2026
The Gulf Cartel Metros Fight Over Security Cameras in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
On March 19, the Gulf Cartel Metros faction placed at least three narco banners around Reynosa threatening the city government.
Iranian Hacking Group Threatens Former Canadian Politician with CJNG Beheading
"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
A pro-Islamic regime hacker group that sent death threats to former Ontario MPP Goldie Ghamari earlier this month was named as one of four Iranian intelligence operations shut down by the U.S. government. One of their threats stated that a bounty of $250,000 was placed on her head and information on her and another's location in the US was provided to members of CJNG.
The FBI announced it took down four websites facilitating Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) hacking efforts. The DOJ says these efforts were tied to “psychological operations and transnational repression."
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The FBI announced it took down four websites facilitating Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) hacking efforts. The DOJ says these efforts were tied to “psychological operations and transnational repression."
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Canadian Trafficker Sebastian "Stix" Rollin Extradited to US, Ran Montreal Drug Labs, Tied to Brothers Keeper Gang
"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
A 49-year-old Quebec man has been extradited to the United States to face charges of importing opioids into the US and money laundering. He had been arrested in Spain on February 20, 2026.
According to the indictment, authorities allege Sebastien "Stix" Rollin, who lived in Montreal at the time, arranged the sale of synthetic opioid pills containing protonitazene disguised as oxycodone, to a Tampa, Florida based undercover police officer.
Rollin allegedly claimed to be selling oxycodone, when in fact it was protonitazene, a powerful opioid considered to be three times more potent than fentanyl. Rollin is also tied to a large scale undercover DEA operation against Opinder "Thanos" Singh Sian for importing drugs into the United States and Australia.
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A 49-year-old Quebec man has been extradited to the United States to face charges of importing opioids into the US and money laundering. He had been arrested in Spain on February 20, 2026.
According to the indictment, authorities allege Sebastien "Stix" Rollin, who lived in Montreal at the time, arranged the sale of synthetic opioid pills containing protonitazene disguised as oxycodone, to a Tampa, Florida based undercover police officer.
Rollin allegedly claimed to be selling oxycodone, when in fact it was protonitazene, a powerful opioid considered to be three times more potent than fentanyl. Rollin is also tied to a large scale undercover DEA operation against Opinder "Thanos" Singh Sian for importing drugs into the United States and Australia.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Mayito Flaco and Ivan Archivaldo Meet Up?
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
The probability that something is true holds about as much weight as the possibility that it isn’t. With the latest rumor circulating online, everyone should be mindful of this.
Just months ago, I’d heard that one faction of the Cartel de Sinaloa was on the verge of being completely wiped out. Only to hear weeks later that those claims now applied to the opposition.
The latest gossip today has both cartel heads, Ivan Archivaldo and Ismael Zambada Sicairos, in a meeting that leaves us with more questions than answers.
Source: Contacto Revista
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
CJNG Hitman Commander Killed in Shootout in El Alpuyequito, Colima
Four CJNG members, including “El Joker” a hitman commander responsible for ten murders & ordering another 15, were killed in a police shootout in El Alpuyequito, Colima on Saturday. In 2025, El Joker was arrested and sentenced to 3 years for carrying a firearm, but was conditionally released after paying a 500 peso (USD 28) fine.
Armed Attacks in Celaya Leave Two Dead and Two Injured in Santa Rita and Villas del Bajío Neighborhoods
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
The attacks left two people dead and two others injured in incidents that occurred just minutes apart in different neighborhoods of the city.
Two armed attacks recorded overnight in the municipality of Celaya resulted in two fatalities and two injuries.
Monday, March 16, 2026
Three Suspected CJNG Hitmen Arrested in Chiapas
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
In a joint operation involving state and municipal forces, authorities detained three individuals this Saturday, March 14, 2026, who have been identified as alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The detainees are believed to be directly linked to a series of homicides perpetrated in recent weeks within the municipality of Huixtla.
"Pepe" of the CJNG Has Been Captured; He Transported "El Mencho's" Girlfriend Prior to his Death
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Members of the Mexican Army Special Forces and the National Guard arrested José N—better known as "Pepe"—who is considered one of the principal logistical operators for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
"Pepe's" arrest took place during ground patrols in the municipality of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, where federal agents located the CJNG member and seized drugs, weaponry, and a vehicle from him.
Friday, March 13, 2026
An Axe, A Knife, And A Machete With The CJNG
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
There’s a moment within this video where an axe head comes down so hard against a fallen captive’s neck that you actually get a good glimpse of blood spraying out. If there was ever a point in time where you could gauge that someone has permanently left this world, this would be it.
Whoever this enslaved man was, he obviously exited the world right away. His screams were short-lived, if that. The same can’t be said about his counterpart. Those final moments were longer as he kept trying to wiggle away from the sharp weapons being used against him.
Pleas for mercy are explicitly heard from both men. At one point the captive who lives a little longer is heard asking to be killed once and for all. It’s fair to say that the agonizing pain that he’s in is that unbearable.
Assassins from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) go about their business without compassion.
Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz
Source: José Díaz
Five CJNG Members Arrested for Retaliatory Attacks after El Mencho's Death in Ixhuatán, Chiapas.
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Five CJNG members were arrested for their participation in retaliatory attacks after El Mencho's death and sending threatening audio messages to local authorities in Ixhuatán, Chiapas.
Five CJNG members were arrested for their participation in retaliatory attacks after El Mencho's death and sending threatening audio messages to local authorities in Ixhuatán, Chiapas.
Video: CJNG Ambushes Zacatecas Police with Landmine in El Rayo
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
CJNG members used an improvised landmine against a Fuerza de Reacción Inmediata (FRIZ) police patrol in the rural town of El Rayo, in Pinos, Zacatecas on Monday. A video filmed by a CJNG member captured the explosion.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Gulf Cartel Metros Officer "El Cherrys" Arrested in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Mexican federal authorities arrested "El Cherrys, the third in command of the Gulf Cartel Metros faction during a security operation in Reynosa, Tamaulipas earlier this week.
Blood, Hex and Money
El Armadillo for Borderland Beat
This piece does not come from formal reporting. It comes from personal curiosity and from years of natural conversation with believers, people from my own life, communities I have moved through. The witch is a familiar figure in Mexican and Mexican-American communities across the American Southwest. If you grow up around this, or spend enough time around people who did, you accumulate a working knowledge without ever setting out to.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Fourteen Suspected Hitmen Arrested With Rifles, Fentanyl, and Armored Vehicles in Two Operations in Culiacán
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Federal agents arrested 14 suspected hitmen in two separate operations in Culiacán, seizing rifles, armored vehicles, fentanyl, and other drug paraphernalia.
In the first operation, seven men were arrested at a residence in the Valle Alto neighborhood after authorities launched a major operation following a report of armed civilians.
The following items were seized:
7 civilians arrested.
1 armored vehicle, not reported stolen.
7 rifles.
2 handguns.
42 magazines.
1,260 rounds of ammunition.
3 tactical vests.
6 ballistic plates.
Various tactical equipment.
1 property secured.
Two women among those arrested
In a separate incident, federal agents raided three properties in Culiacán, Sinaloa, arresting five men and two women. They were found in possession of firearms, fentanyl pills, and other drug paraphernalia.
The items seized:
7 civilians arrested.
3 firearms.
2 vehicles.
3 magazines.
90 rounds of ammunition.
600 fentanyl pills.
3 properties.
Cash.
The 14 suspected criminals arrested and the drug paraphernalia seized in the two operations were turned over to the Attorney General's Office (FGR) for further investigation and to determine responsibility.
The Valle Alto neighborhood of Culiacán, Sinaloa.
Source: Luz Noticias
Mexican Navy Seizes Two Tons of Cocaine Off the Coast of Acapulco
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Let’s move on to security issues. Around 2 tons of cocaine were seized off the coast of Acapulco.
Members of the navy secured several packages containing the illegal substance in an operation involving aircraft, an ocean patrol boat, and a vessel. In response, the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, acknowledged the effort and the operation.
On his social media account, he said that it shows what we can achieve when we cooperate and share information in the fight against cartels. Yes, the ship arrived in Acapulco with the seizure.
Source: Milenio
Monday, March 9, 2026
"We've Said No": Sheinbaum Responds to Trump; Rules Out US Military Intervention in Mexico
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Sheinbaum affirmed that Mexico will continue to say "no" to US military intervention, although it maintains intelligence cooperation on security matters
During the "Morning Press Conference" this Monday, March 9, 2026, held in the Gustavo A. Madero (GAM) borough, Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo responded to the new and controversial statements by her US counterpart, Donald Trump, who asserted that Mexico is the "epicenter of drug cartel violence."
The head of the Mexican Federal Executive reiterated that her government has rejected the proposal to allow the entry of the US military to combat drug trafficking in Mexican territory; She also affirmed that her administration maintains a firm stance on national sovereignty.
"It's good that President Trump publicly states that he has proposed the deployment of the U.S. military to Mexico, we have said no, because it's the truth. We have said no, and we proudly continue to say no," the president stated, referring to the possibility of U.S. military forces operating in Mexico.
In the same address, the Mexican president explained that the Federal Government does maintain coordination with the U.S. on security matters, although she emphasized that operations within the country are the exclusive responsibility of Mexican authorities. She detailed that bilateral cooperation is primarily focused on intelligence sharing and other security-related activities, but without permitting direct actions by foreign forces.
Sheinbaum clarified that operations against organized crime in Mexico are carried out by "the Armed Forces, or the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC); the National Guard, or state police and prosecutors' offices. So, indeed, we have said no." And we have made progress; tomorrow you will see the security results, and we must continue to make progress in these areas.”
She also announced that security results will be presented this Tuesday, March 10, noting that her administration continues working to advance in this area.
Trump claims Mexico is the “epicenter of cartel violence”
Sheinbaum’s statements come after Republican businessman Donald Trump asserted that Mexico is the epicenter of drug-related violence in the region. The US president made these remarks during the inauguration of the Latin American Leaders Summit, dubbed “Shield of the Americas,” held in Miami, an event attended by more than a dozen male Latin American leaders.
During his speech, Trump maintained that “as part of our commitment to counter the presence of cartels in the region, we must recognize that the epicenter of cartel violence is Mexico.”
Despite his criticism, the US president also referred to his counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum as "a very good person" and mentioned that she has "a beautiful voice."
It's worth recalling that, previously, Trump had raised the possibility of bombing drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, a stance that has generated debate about security
Source: Tribuna
Saturday, March 7, 2026
CJNG Gunman Arrested with Recruitment Posters In Paraíso, Tabasco
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
A CJNG gunman was arrested by the military after they responded to reports of shots being fired at the Refinería Olmeca in Paraíso, Tabasco. Authorities found several firearms and two recruitment posters.
Friday, March 6, 2026
Cartel Attacks Police Base with Carbomb in Luis Moya, Zacatecas
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
A criminal group detonated a car bomb outside the Municipal Police headquarters in Luis Moya, Zacatecas yesterday leaving three officers injured.
El Burro, the Armed Wing of Los Chapos, Falls in Baja California Sur
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
The leader of the “Los Burros” (Chapos) cell was captured in Puerto San Carlos, Comondú municipality. He is one of those responsible for confronting “Los Venados” (Mayos) in the Northern Zone.
In a coordinated operation between federal and state forces comprising the Security Council, the capture of a high-priority target operating in northern Baja California Sur for the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically for “Los Chapos,” was confirmed.
The arrest is of Francisco “N,” alias “El Burro,” the armed wing of the cell identified as “Los Burros,” which operates in the Northern Zone, primarily in the community of Guerrero Negro, Mulegé municipality.
His capture occurred on the night of Thursday, March 5, in the town of Puerto San Carlos, Comondú municipality, following a surveillance and crime prevention operation by members of the Mexican Navy and the Municipal Police, who intercepted a black pickup truck.
The crew members displayed aggressive behavior and insulted the officers, leading to their initial arrest for disturbing the peace. However, upon verifying their information at the Public Security facilities, the identity of one of the detainees was confirmed. He had an outstanding arrest warrant for aggravated kidnapping.
Unofficial information confirmed that the man is Francisco Javier Ibarra Romo, alias “El Burro,” identified as the leader of the criminal cell “Los Burros,” based in Guerrero Negro. According to intelligence reports, this group is actively fighting in the northern part of the state to prevent the “Los Mayos” faction from gaining control of the territory.
In addition to the capture of one of the main instigators of violence in the region, the State Security Council, made up of the Navy, Army, National Guard, Attorney General's Office and the State Attorney General's Office, reiterated that joint operations will continue permanently to try to capture other priority targets in the 5 municipalities.
Puerto San Carlos, Baja California Sur
The distance between Puerto San Carlos and the Comondú municipality.
Source: Zeta Tijuana
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Junior: A Son of the Gulf Cartel
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Inside the Gaming Servers Where Cartel Culture Thrives
El Armadillo for Borderland Beat
The spawn base in Arma Reforger was the usual, players assembling loadouts, choosing vehicles, customizing their outfits, talking trash. Then somewhere in the noise, two players drifted toward each other off to the side in Spanish.
The Chapiza - CJNG Alliance Captured and Kill a Member of Los Flechas
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
How fucked up is that to have to see some big-gut midget on a phone call walk around nonchalantly in the background while you’re being interrogated by your captors?
Even worse still is that your right ear gets sliced off and you’re forced to appear on film naked from the waist down.
Had you been shot to death in front of everyone, that conclusion to your life wouldn’t look so bad. What we get instead are the assassins who force you to say things against your will.
Followed by a decent sized knife that’s thrust into your solar plexus. Under the best of circumstances, that would’ve been that. But that stabbing has caused some innards to suddenly spill out.
And as if to complement that evil that’s already underway, the enforcer takes the time to slice that off as well.
Escuinapa, Sinaloa
Source: Informante Sinaloa
US & Ecuador Carry Out Joint Military Operations Targeting FARC Dissident Camp
"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
The United States and Ecuador conducted joint military operations against "designated terrorist organizations in Ecuador," U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on Tuesday.
This is the first time, officially, that the U.S. military has engaged in a land combat operation against South American drug cartels and gangs since the 1980s.
Recently, the U.S. military had only carried out airstrikes targeting smuggling boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean killing a total of 152 alleged traffickers.
This is the first time, officially, that the U.S. military has engaged in a land combat operation against South American drug cartels and gangs since the 1980s.
Recently, the U.S. military had only carried out airstrikes targeting smuggling boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean killing a total of 152 alleged traffickers.
Monday, March 2, 2026
While CJNG Retaliation Ends, Small Attacks Continue in Guadalajara
By “El Huaso” for Borderland Beat
While initial CJNG retaliations for the killing of El Mencho in a security operation across Mexico have subsided, CJNG members continue to lash out in Guadalajara, though at a reduced pace and intensity.
Last night, a group of young men attacked the Oxxo corner store on the corner of Luis Pérez Verdía and Justo Sierra streets in the Arcos Vallarta neighborhood of Guadalajara. The men broke the glass windows and threw molotov cocktails, burning the store. Two employees were at the store but were not injured. The assailants fled on motorcyles.
Also that night, a vehicle was burned on the Laureles amd Paseo del Nopal streets in the Mesa de los Ocotes neighborhood.
Yesterday, a short shootout erupted between police and armed men by the Glorieta Colón, in colonia Italia Providencia. Locals also reported the criminals deployed tire spikes.
The events are far less severe in impact and scale than the initial outbreak of violence, but they threaten the return to normalcy in the Guadalajara region.
On February 22–23, the CJNG demonstrated the capability to conduct mass disruption operations across the city of Guadalajara and much of Mexico, disperse during daylight hours, and re-emerge at night once security patrols ceased. The attacks were typical of criminal strategy over the last twenty years, where criminals launch large-scale retaliatory violence for operations against their leadership.
A Chapiza Member is Forced To Speak Ill of His Counterparts
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Assassins under the command of Mayito Flaco force a Chapiza member to curse his organization. To add fuel to the fire a fixed blade knife is used to carve the MF initials across his stomach.
There’s nothing quite like saying, “Fuck your team,” more than being carved up by the opposition while alive.
At this time it is believed that the captive was killed soon after this horrific ordeal. But if, on the off chance, he survived, the scars on his body serve as a reminder as to why he was sliced up.
Source: Anonymous
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Gulf Cartel Cell Leader Antonio Guadalupe ‘Lexus’ Captured
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Mexican authorities have captured a reputed Gulf cartel cell leader in the border town of Matamoros.
Antonio Guadalupe N., aka “Lexus,” was wanted on charges of extortion, kidnapping, drug, weapons and migrant trafficking. Mexican soldiers and National Guard members arrested him on Thursday along with eight alleged accomplices, that country’s Public Safety Secretariat said in a statement.
The soldiers seized several high-powered guns, communication equipment and vehicles from the suspects. The Public Safety Secretariat said Lexus is a leader of Ciclones, or Cyclones, one of the groups associated with the Gulf cartel.
All nine individuals have been turned over to the Mexican Attorney General’s Office for prosecution.
U.S. security experts have told Border Report the Gulf cartel has broken up into several gangs, which have divided drug trafficking routes into the U.S. and established boundaries of territories where they conduct other illicit activities like extortion.
The Cyclones and Scorpions reportedly control the greater Matamoros region south of Brownsville, Texas, while Los Metros operate in Reynosa. A faction called Los Rojos allegedly operates south of border areas
Sources: Border Report, Jesús Rubén Peña
