Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas
Hosted by special operations combat veteran and former BORSTAR Agent Vincent “Rocco” Vargas, this weekly podcast takes an unfiltered look at real stories from America's Southern Border. Each episode features conversations with guests about the organized crime and criminal networks driving mass migration. The current season, Borderland: Narcosis, focuses on human trafficking, the drug trade, extortion, and corruption within society. An IRONCLAD Original.
Episodes
Meet the PCC: 30,000 Members, Bigger Than Any Cartel, and Flying Under the Radar
Stephen Dudley is the co-founder and co-director of InSight Crime, a think tank focused on organized crime in the Americas.
Video Chapters:
(00:00) Brazil's Organized Crime Landscape: PCC and Red Command
(07:15) Marcola, the PCC's Leadership, and the 2006 São Paulo Shutdown
(10:41) How the PCC Compares to Mexican Cartels
(15:05) PCC's Global Partners, U.S. Presence, and $1B Crypto Laundering
El Mencho Was Just a Decoy? INSIDE the Real Leader Who is Running CJNG (with Pierre Rausini)
Pierre Rausini is an author, former Los Angeles trafficking kingpin, and cartel expert.
To learn more about Pierre's drug case and arrest, check out: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/drug-kingpin-who-ordered-slayings-gets-40-year-2759011.php?cmpid=gsa-sfgate-result
To learn more about Pierre's story, check out: Devil Exposed: A Twisted Tale of Drug Trafficking, Corruption & Murde
China's Plan to TAKEOVER the Drug Trade and Use Canada as a Backdoor into the U.S. (with Scott McGregor)
Scott McGregor is a former Canadian military intelligence operator, intelligence advisor to federal law enforcement, former Senior Intelligence Officer, policy analyst under a provincial Attorney General, and a Senior Fellow and Security Advisor to the Council on Countering Hybrid Warfare.
He is the Founder and Principle Commentator at HybridWar.ca and is the co-author of the book, “The Mo
The Capture of El Mayo Was NOT What It Seemed: The Violent Real FBI Operation That Brought Him Down
Joe Hefferon, a former New Jersey police captain with 25 years experience in law enforcement. Is a writer and investigative reporter, who recently published an incredible deep-dive piece on the arrest of El Mayo and what really happened.
You can check out his piece on his Substack : https://substack.com/home/post/p-213457916
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original.
Chapters
(00:00)
Canada's Cartel Crisis: Assassinations, Extortion & the Bishnoi Gang's Reach (with Kim Bolan)
Today's guest is Kim Bolan. Kim is an award-winning investigative reporter for the Vancouver Sun, where she has covered gangs and organized crime for over four decades, including the Air India bombing, the Robert Pickton case, and the Surrey Six gangland slaying. She runs the anti-gang blog The Real Scoop and is the author of Loss of Faith: How the Air India Bombers Got Away with Murder. She recen
The Cartel War That Turned Zacatecas, Mexico into a WAR ZONE: Katarina Szulc & Vince 'Rocco' Vargas
Vince “Rocco” Vargas sits down with Katarina Szulc to discuss her recent investigation in Tlaxcala, Mexico (which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rXThHW2xeg ), an uptick in violence in Zacatecas, cartels operating Canada and more.
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original.
Chapters
(00:00:37) Being chased on camera while reporting in Mexico
(00:04:09) The cartel's PR ang
This Journalist Spent a Month in Cuba: What He Saw Was Shocking
Today's guest is Sean Williams. Sean is an investigative report whose work has apeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, Rolling Stone, GQ, The Daily Beast, The New Republic, Wired, The Economist, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated and many more.
He host The Underworld Podcast, a weekly show investigating global organized crime with journalist Danny Gold.
He recently spent 4 weeks in Havana
How Mexico's Most Dangerous Cartel Quietly Took Over Europe: The CJNG Terrifying Expansion
Today’s guest is Chris Dalby. He is a journalist and an expert on organized crime and Mexican drug cartels. Chris is the author of World of Crime's Guides to Organized Crime and CJNG: A Quick Guide to Mexico's Deadliest Cartel. He’s also the the director of the World of Crime think tank
You can subscribe to his newsletter at seasonsofcrime.com
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original
The Midwest Cartels: Former DEA Agent EXPOSES Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG Hubs in Indiana and Chicago
Michael Gannon is a retired DEA Senior Leader and Assistant Special Agent in Charge, who spent 25 years serving various roles within the Drug Enforcement Administration, including undercover operations and uncovering cartel-connected drug networks in cities including Chicago and Miami.
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:1st Phorm:Go to https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland a
Valeria Marquez's Livestreamed Murder Suspect Is a CJNG Operative. Does It Add Up?
Today's guest is Borderland: Dispatches host Katarina Szulc. She's an investigative journalist and tells host Vince 'Rocco' Vargas about her upcoming investigative documentary, the livestreamed murders of influencers Cesar Gastelum and Valeria Márquez, and more.
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters
(00:00) Kat's intro — cartels, organized crime, boots on the ground
(11:59)
Canada's Secret Cartel Crisis: Inside the Underground Narco Trucking Network
Sam Cooper is Canadian investigative journalist known for his reporting on cartels, organized crime, money laundering, and political corruption.
He is the founder of The Bureau: https://www.thebureau.news/
Follow him on X: https://x.com/scoopercooper
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original
Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Intro & Sam Cooper's background(03:34) How long-haul trucking became a
Joe Kent: Terror Suspects Have Infiltrated the Interior of the U.S
Joe Kent is the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. He resigned in March 2026 following the Trump administration's decision to attack Iran.
Is also a former CIA paramilitary officer and Army Ranger.
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
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Ghost Ranch: A Kentucky Cartel Mystery - Mysterious Mansions, the CJNG, and Billions of Dollars Missing
In this supercut, we look back at three recent interview with Jon Griggs, as he tries to solve a strange mystery on a cattle farm in Kentucky.
Jon began his career in law enforcement in 2006, serving in various capacities including Corrections Officer, Corrections Supervisor, Police Officer, Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Deep Water Horizon and Gang Task Force. But, when his security compan
INSIDE the Secret Cartel Network: The Biggest Threat in the Western Hemisphere
Today's guest is Dr. John Sullivan. He is a retired Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department lieutenant. He is currently an Instructor in the Safe Communities Institute (SCI) at the Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California.
Dr. Sullivan is a researcher, author, and one of the country's leading scholars on transnational organized crime.
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Orig
Inside Secret CJNG Cartel Human Trafficking Networks Operating in the U.S.
Ali Hopper is a nationally recognized expert in human trafficking and serves as the President of GUARD Against Trafficking, a nonprofit she co-founded to combat exploitation through research, education and advocacy. She has testified before Congress on child trafficking and has delivered numerous congressional briefings on human trafficking and conducts on-the-ground research in the U.S., Me
CJNG & Sinaloa vs. ‘Batman’? The Controversial New Leader in the Fight Against Cartels
Today’s guest is Jaeson Jones. He is a retired Captain from the Texas Department of Public Safety's Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division, and a recognized expert of Mexican drug cartels and transnational crime. He is also a correspondent for Newsmax.
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(02:33) Landing the Interview with Secretary Omar Harfuch
(05:58) Insi
Cartel Insider Exposes the Russian Mob, CJNG & Hells Angels Operating as One Network Inside America
David Holthouse is a journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker best known for his immersive "gonzo" reporting style and his work infiltrating extremist groups, criminal networks, and other hard-to-access subcultures. His films and series include Narco Mennonites, Sasquatch, The Last Narc, Krishnas: Gurus, Karma, Murder, Night Stalker, and more.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
Beyond Drug Trafficking: 4 Dark Turns in the Violent Evolution of Mexican Drug Cartels
In this 4-chapter film, Borderland: Narcosis host Vince ‘Rocco’ Vargas looks at four stories from the world of cartels and organized crime: The missing women of Juárez, the rise and fall of MS-13, the strange role that Santa Muerte plays in cartel culture, and how the CJNG infiltrated America’s living rooms with elaborate phone scams.Each of these stories initially ran as part of Borderland’s Reas
The New Era of Cartel Warfare — How Modern Wars Are Reshaping Cartels
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Katarina Szulc, investigative journalist and host of the Ironclad Original, Borderland: Dispatches. Kat shares insights from her recent reporting in Ukraine, where authorities are investigating claims that foreign fighters with cartel ties traveled to the front lines to learn modern combat tactics before returning to Latin America.
The conversation also exp
The CJNG Kentucky Cattle Conspiracy (Jon Griggs Supercut)
What started as a routine security check in rural Kentucky unraveled into what might be the largest cattle fraud scheme in U.S. history, and that was just the tip of the iceberg.
This compilation brings together the complete, escalating investigation by Borderland into a massive criminal enterprise that the authorities seemingly refuse to touch. Follow security contractor Jon Griggs as he risks
Kentucky's CJNG Money Laundering Network - From Ghost Cattle to a Crypto Torture Mansion (Jon Griggs Returns)
Jon Griggs returns to Borderland: Narcosis for his third appearance, picking up a story that's grown far beyond where it started. What began as a routine assignment to secure a Kentucky cattle farm in 2023 has unraveled into a $4.5 billion money-laundering case with alleged ties to the CJNG cartel and a string of connections Jon never expected to find.
Listen to Jon's previous appearances for
A Former Mexican Customs Official on Cartels, Corruption, and U.S. Strikes (with Karlo Villalpando)
On today's episode, Vince sits down with Karlo Villalpando, a 10-year veteran of Mexican Customs and former Port Director in Sonoyta, to discuss the recent surrender of Sinaloa's Secretary of Public Safety to the DEA, the SDNY indictment naming Sinaloa state officials allegedly on the cartel's payroll, and what President Claudia Sheinbaum's government is and isn't doing about it. They also cover t
‘They Don't Want a Helo Landing Outside Their House’” Why Sinaloa Narcos Are Turning Themselves In
On this episode of Borderland: Narcosis, Vince Vargas speaks with retired Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens about the risk of the Northern Border, the state of border security, and threats to national security.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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Cartel Smuggling Ops: Former Pablo Escobar Pilot Explains How He Flew Millions in Product to the US
Today's guest is Roger Reaves. He spent more than 30 years prison, having escaped five different times. He was heavily involved in smuggling operations for the Medellín Cartel and Pablo Escobar.
Is the author of the book Smuggler: https://www.amazon.com/Smuggler-Mr-Roger-Reaves/dp/0692630538
Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original
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3 Russians, 12 Miles Inside California: Inside the San Diego Pipeline Still Wide Open
Cory Gautereaux, founder of the GOAT Initiative, returns to Borderland to discuss what he and his team are seeing on the San Diego border. He covers a recent incident involving three Russian nationals found 10–12 miles inside California, the discarded passports and documents his team continues to recover, the role of contractors along the border, and the disconnect between federal messaging and wh
The Hunt for Iván Guzmán Intensifies: Ex-DEA Boss Who Hunted El Chapo on What Comes Next
On today's episode, Vince welcomes back former DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, the man who led the hunt for El Chapo, for a breakdown of where the hunt for Iván goes next, why the Chapitos can't survive the way their father did, and what the U.S. government's new whole-of-government strategy actually looks like from the inside.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00
Hector Berrellez: The CIA, the Cartels, and the Murder of Kiki Camarena
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Hector Berrellez, a former DEA agent and lead investigator on the 1985 murder of agent Kiki Camarena.
Berrellez breaks down his role in the case, efforts to secure key witnesses, and the investigative tactics used at the time. He also discusses allegations he uncovered, including claims involving the CIA, along with internal pushback and unresolved quest
Sinaloa’s New Structure: Inside a Fragmented Cartel Network
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Johnny Mitchell, a former multi-million dollar marijuana trafficker turned stand-up comedian and host of the podcast The Connect. They break down who the U.S. may target next inside the cartel hierarchy, the rise of El Chapo’s sons, and how a new generation of leaders—including those with American ties—are changing the game.
Check out Johnny's podcast:
National Security Concerns at the Southern Border: Jorge Ventura Reports from Tijuana
On today's episode, Vince welcomes back Jorge Ventura to break down his reporting from Tijuana, including concerns over cartel smuggling routes, migrant movement near the U.S. border, and the broader Iranian national security threat.
Check out Jorge's Youtube Channel: @Venturareports
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:30) Investigation: The Islamic Mos
Silent Takeover: How China’s Infiltration of Canada Threatens U.S. Security
On today's episode, Ex-Canadian intelligence officer Scott McGregor breaks down how cartels and the Chinese Communist Party have established networks in Canada, including Vancouver, and the risks they pose to North American security.
To purchase Scott's book, The Mosaic Effect: How the Chinese Communist Party Started a Hybrid War in America's Backyard, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Mosaic-Effec
The Cartel Drone Crisis: CJNG Operators Training Abroad and Targeting U.S. Vulnerabilities
On today's episode, Vince sits down with “Matchmaker,” a U.S. veteran with the Wolverines, a network of operators training on the frontlines in Ukraine. They break down the evolving world of drone warfare—from cheap, commercially available drones turned into deadly weapons to how cartels and other actors are learning these tactics, creating a growing threat to U.S. border security.
Borderland i
CJNG Getting Stronger? The Brutal Reality Inside Mexico’s Worsening Security Crisis
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Katarina, host of Borderland: Dispatches, who shares her first-hand reporting from the site of El Mencho’s operation in Mexico. They discuss the evidence she found, the sequence of events, and the aftermath, including how the operation has impacted Mexican authorities, cartel dynamics, and local communities.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
00
Mexico’s Cartels After El Mencho: Full-Scale Insurgency Ahead (Ed Calderon Returns)
On today's episode, Ed Calderon returns to Borderland: Narcosis to examine the operation that reportedly killed CJNG leader El Mencho. The conversation covers the details of the raid, inconsistencies in the official narrative, cartel responses across Mexico, and potential power shifts inside CJNG.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00 ) Intro
(01:00) Deep Dive: The Raid o
Canada’s Great Lakes: CJNG Builds Massive Narcotics Corridor (Sam Cooper Returns)
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Samuel Cooper, Canadian journalist, author, and national security expert who has reported extensively on transnational crime, Mexican cartels, and international intelligence operations. They dive into the recent takedown of El Mencho, the rise of cartel influence in Canada, and what these shifts mean for North America’s security landscape.
Borderland is a
El Mencho Dead: What’s Next for CJNG and Mexico’s Cartel War?
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Pierre Rausini to discuss reports surrounding the death of El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
They discuss what is known about the operation, reported intelligence involvement, and what the leadership change could mean for CJNG and other cartel groups, including the Sinaloa Cartel.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapte
The CJNG in Riverside, California: The Highway That Fuels Cartel Expansion into the U.S.
On today's episode, Vince speaks with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco about cartel activity in Riverside County, including the arrest connected to the family of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:13) Why Riverside County is a Major Hub for Cartels
(06:13) First Encounters with Prison Ga
The Strategy to Target Mexico’s Most Powerful Cartel Leaders (Pierre Rausini Returns)
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Pierre Rausini to break down a reported U.S. covert strategy, ‘Operation Seattle,’ putting pressure on Mexico’s cartels, political elites, and financial networks. They go inside the complex web of cartel power, money laundering, and U.S. leverage in Latin America.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:41) The Effects
Mexican Military or CJNG? Armed Men Cross the San Diego Border
On today's episode, journalist Hels Goethe joins Borderland to discuss reporting from the San Diego–Mexico border, including open corridors, cartel smuggling routes, and footage showing armed men in Mexican military-style uniforms crossing into the U.S., with questions over whether they were Mexican military or CJNG impersonators.
They also examine how border intelligence is collected on the gr
How a Cartel Gold Mine Was Taken Back — What It Reveals About Mexico’s Drug War
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with investigative journalist Steve Fisher, based in Mexico City, to discuss organized crime and security in Mexico. They examine Fisher’s reporting on a cartel-controlled gold mine in Sonora, U.S.–Mexico security cooperation, recent extraditions, cartel power shifts, and the evolving tactics shaping today’s drug war.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Ch
Kentucky’s CJNG Money Laundering Network - The Money Trail Gets Deeper (Jon Griggs Returns)
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Jon Griggs for an update on the CJNG-linked investigation in Kentucky. Jon shares newly discussed details, including alleged money laundering between $4–$10 billion, U.S.-based shell companies, Florida real estate, and international ties. Reported local payments exceeding $200 million and political connections are also examined.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD
Venezuelan Dissident Speaks Out: The Fragile Regime, Foreign Influence, & What Maduro’s Capture Means
On today's episode, Vince speaks with Venezuelan actor and journalist Guillermo Garcia about Venezuela’s political and humanitarian crisis, life under Chávez and Maduro, and the impact of Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Guillermo shares firsthand insight into how the moment is being received by Venezuelans inside and outside the country, along with the broader role of foreign influence and ongoing polit
Maduro Captured: Inside the U.S. Direct Action Mission That Shook Venezuela (Ed Calderon Returns)
On today's episode, Vince Vargas and Ed Calderon break down the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. mission behind it, and the implications for cartels, global powers, and Latin America.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(03:00) - Maduro's Capture and the Aftermath
(14:00) - Taking a "Ghost Fleet" Ship
(16:45) - American's Threats
(27:00) - The Ven
After Venezuela Is Mexico Next? China’s Alliance with Cartels Could Spark Strikes (Jorge Ventura)
NOTE: This interview was recorded several days prior to the U.S. operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in which investigative journalist Jorge Ventura predicted would soon happen and possibly set a further precedent for military operations in Mexico.
In a shocking new interview with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas on Borderland: Narcosis, investigative journalist and filmmaker Jorge Vent
A Whistleblower Details Extortion Inside Mexico’s Cattle Economy
On today's episode, Vince sits down with Manuel Núñez, founder of Palente Mexico, a cattle exporting company operating in one of the most complex and high-risk agricultural environments in the country. Manuel shares firsthand insight into how extortion operates within Mexico’s cattle industry, including how criminal organizations pressure buyers and producers through illegal payment demands.
Bo
Inside the Hidden Arizona Operation of a Former MLB Player Linked to the Sinaloa Cartel
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with former pro MLB player Pete Polis, who ran a drug operation out of his Arizona furniture store while working with members of the Sinaloa Cartel. Today, he runs Seasons Housing, a clean and sober organization that has since helped over 100 men and women transition back into their communities.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
More from Pete:
Facebo
How Disinformation, Smuggling, and International Networks Are Quietly Shaping Threats to the U.S.
On today's episode, Vince sits down with Steven Hernandez of The North Group, a national security and intelligence expert. They discuss Venezuela’s role as a hub for threat actors, the presence of sleeper cells in the U.S., and the challenges of tracking multi-state security risks.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
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Iran, Hezbollah, and Venezuela: The New Frontline Near the U.S. Border
On today's episode, Vince speaks with Nicholas Chase Valencia, a veteran of the Israel Defense Force and U.S. Army and counterterrorism researcher. Nicholas explains how Venezuela serves as a base for Hezbollah and allied networks, its ties to Iran, and why these operations pose a growing security and drug trafficking threat to the United States.
To read more about this, visit Nick's substack:
BONUS: Former Kingpin Breaks Down the ONE Move That Could Cripple the Sinaloa and CJNG Cartels | Pierre Rausini
On this bonus episode, former LA kingpin Pierre Rausini lays out his bold plan to dismantle the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels by targeting their most crucial asset: the underground super tunnels beneath the U.S.-Mexico border. He explains why neutralizing these hidden pathways is the key to stopping multi-ton drug shipments and finally gaining the upper hand in the border war.
To find out more, vis
INSIDE the Ultra-Violent Secret World of Female Cartel Operatives: Deborah Bonello
Today on Borderland: Narcosis, Vince Vargas sits down with investigative journalist Deborah Bonello.
She is currently the managing editor at InSight Crime and is the editorial director for Latin America at VICE News.
Her book, "NARCAS: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin America's Cartels” is out now: https://www.amazon.com/Narcas-Secret-Women-Americas-Cartels/dp/0807007048
Borderland is an
The Kratom-to-7-OH Pipeline: Inside the CCP-Linked Network Fueling a Dangerous New Drug Market
On today's episode, Vince sits down with Rob Dyer, former Marine and CIA paramilitary officer, to uncover a $10B gray-market plant product — a potent kratom derivative called 7-hydroxy (7-OH). This compound comes from the kratom leaf and is chemically enhanced to deliver a stronger, opioid-like effect. They break down the CCP’s potential role, shadowy companies, and legal loopholes fueling this hi
CJNG Strikes: Mayor Murdered as Violence and Extortion Escalate in Mexico (Ioan Grillo Returns)
On today's episode, Vince talks with journalist Ioan Grillo about the targeting of an outspoken Mexican mayor by the CJNG cartel and their police force infiltrations. They discuss how cartel violence and extortion are worsening across Mexico, the risks faced by leaders who speak out, and the growing unrest sparked by these attacks.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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Inside the Sinaloa Cartel’s Silent Invasion of Montana: A Hidden War on American Soil
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with former DEA senior agent Stacy Zinn, who led major anti-cartel operations in Montana, to discuss the growing presence of organized crime in the state and its impact on local communities.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Buy Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: http://psyopshow.com/
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Drone War on the Border: Ed Calderon Explains Cartels, Venezuela, and Colombia
Former Mexican law enforcement officer Ed Calderón returns to Borderland to break down the next phase of cartel warfare. From CJNG’s weaponized drone swarms to the rise of armed child recruits in rural Mexico, Calderón explains how cartels are evolving into paramilitary forces — and what that means for the U.S. as violence creeps closer to the border.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Buy T
Inside the Cartel: FBI Agent Martin Suarez’s 24 Years Undercover Smuggling Billions for the Colombian Drug Empire
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with former FBI agent Martin Suarez. For 23 years, Martin lived undercover inside Colombian cartels. Joined by Ian Frisch, who co-wrote his memoir Inside the Cartel: How an Undercover FBI Agent Smuggled Cocaine, Laundered Cash, and Dismantled a Colombian Narco-Empire, Martin reflects on the psychological toll of undercover work, the art of gaining a cartel’s tr
Bounties on Agents, PsyOps, and CIA Allegations | Q&A with Katarina Szulc
On today’s episode, Vince and Katarina address questions submitted by the audience. They examine how communication gaps between Border Patrol, local sheriffs, and state authorities are affecting enforcement, the growing presence of cartel safe houses inside the U.S., and the role of psychological operations in modern conflicts. The conversation also explores claims of cartel members training abro
Mexico’s Drug War Turns a Corner: Homicides Drop as South American Cartels Surge (Jaeson Jones Returns)
On today's episode, Vince welcomes back border expert Jaeson Jones to explore the evolving security landscape in Mexico. Jaeson shares his firsthand experiences embedding with Mexican forces and details how intelligence-led operations and the integration of the National Guard have contributed to a 32% reduction in homicides under the Scheinbaum administration.
They discuss Operation Northern B
Venezuela Black Ops Collapse: U.S. Operative Who Tried to Topple Maduro Now Fighting for His Life
On today's episode, Vince sits down with Jordan Goudreau, the former Green Beret and private security contractor behind the infamous Operation Gideon—the 2020 failed coup attempt in Venezuela. Jordan takes us inside the planning, the high-stakes execution, and the moment he realized the mission was unraveling. He also opens up about the legal fallout he’s facing in the U.S., the financial and log
How Cartels Actually Operate in Venezuela: America’s War, Government-Collapse & Synthetic Drug War (Pierre Rausini Returns)
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Pierre Rausini to uncover how drug trafficking, money laundering, and geopolitics collide. They break down Venezuela’s transformation into a trafficker’s haven, the Cartel de Soles’ shadow role within the Venezuelan state, and how synthetic opioids dominate the market. The conversation digs into the sophisticated financial networks that keep cartels alive, t
El Mayo’s Deal Ignites Cartel Collapse—Venezuelan Strikes & Sheinbaum Cartel Ties
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back investigative journalist and host of Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina Szulc, to discuss the latest news around the world of drug cartels and organized crime. They cover recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela, cartel operations in Mexico, and the rise of human trafficking. Katarina shares her reporting experiences, including a story about the trafficking
THE CONNECT: Ex-Trafficker Johnny Mitchell — Inside the Cartel Shift: Why They No Longer Fear U.S. Power
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Johnny Mitchell, comedian, former trafficker, and host of The Connect with Johnny Mitchell, to go inside the world of drug trafficking and organized crime. Johnny shares his firsthand experiences running operations and embedding with cartel members and sicarios, offering rare insight into how these organizations operate daily. They discuss the evolving glob
Inside Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles and How It Threatens the U.S
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Wesley Tabor, a former DEA agent and CIA assignee with over two decades of experience tracking transnational criminal networks. Together, they uncover the hidden power of the Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuelan syndicate that operates at the intersection of organized crime and geopolitics. Wesley explains how the cartel’s deep ties to Venezuela’s military and
Mayo Zambada’s Plea Deal, Sinaloa Cartel Fragmentation, and Cartels Using AI & Drones
On this week’s episode, Vince talks with Stefano Ritondale, a military intelligence veteran and journalist behind @All_Source_News, about the changing landscape of organized crime. The episode covers the fragmentation of the Sinaloa cartel, the impact of Mayo Zambada’s upcoming plea deal, and what it could reveal about political corruption in Mexico and the United States.
Stefano also explains ho
America's Deadliest Chinese Mafia Drug Network Operating in Maine
On this week’s episode, Vince sits down with Steve Robinson, investigative journalist and executive producer of the documentary High Crimes, to discuss his investigation into illegal marijuana grows in Maine. Robinson reveals how many of these operations are controlled by Chinese organized crime, exploiting loopholes in state cannabis laws and using dangerous pesticides that pose health risks.
H
Are We Witnessing the End of the Sinaloa Cartel?
On this week’s episode, Vince welcomes back Jay Flores, a former cartel operative who worked directly for the Sinaloa Cartel, to break down the organization's current state and its shifting power structure. Drawing from his firsthand experience inside one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world, Jay discusses internal conflicts, the fallout from recent arrests, and how ple
When Supply Chains Meet Cartels: How U.S. Companies Are Affected by Mexico’s Truck Hijackings
On this week’s episode, Vince sits down with political risk analyst Nathaniel Parish Flannery to examine how organized crime and business intersect in Mexico. They discuss the rise of truck hijackings, how cartels influence local economies, and the risks companies face operating in high-conflict areas. Nathaniel also explains why understanding both business and criminal dynamics is key to making s
Canada's Most Violent Cartels: Sinaloa & CJNG's Massive Vancouver Operations (with Sam Cooper)
On this week’s episode, Vince talks to Canadian investigative journalist Sam Cooper about how Canada has quietly become a key hub for transnational organized crime. Cooper explains how Chinese triads, Mexican cartels like Sinaloa and CJNG, and other international networks use Canadian real estate, casinos, and financial systems to launder money and move narcotics. They discuss how encrypted apps,
The Dark Connection Between Hezbollah, Drug Cartels & Terrorism
On today’s episode, counterterrorism expert Dr. Matthew Levitt pulls back the curtain on Hezbollah’s global operations—from its origins as an Iranian-backed militia to its drug trafficking and money laundering activities across Latin America. Levitt, a former FBI analyst and Treasury official, is one of the world’s leading experts on Hezbollah. As Director of the Counterterrorism and Intelligence
America’s Open Threat: Inside the Cartel’s Coordinated Terror Smuggling Operation
On this week's episode, Vince sits down with former Green Beret Scott Mann to examine the growing intersection between cartel violence and terrorist tactics. Drawing from his Special Forces background and work on Operation Pineapple Express, Scott breaks down how Mexican cartels are evolving into insurgent-style networks with increasing reach and sophistication.
The conversation explores the blu
Massive Texas Church-Linked Smuggling Ring Caught at Eagle Pass Checkpoint— Federal Seizure
On this episode, Vince speaks with Alex Szinnyev, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and security professional with 13 years of experience in military service, government contracting, executive protection, and weapons instruction. In July, Alex is scheduled to face trial for human smuggling charges after a transport operation he believed was affiliated with a church turned out to involve undocumented mig
“I Resigned Over the Corruption” — Ex-CDCR Lieutenant on California Prison Gangs, Cartels & the Crisis
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with former California corrections lieutenant Hector Bravo to break down what he says is a growing crisis inside the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).Bravo, who served 16 years in the system, alleges how shifts in policy—including the “Agreement to End Hostilities” and the merging of general population with protective custody inmate
How a CIA Operative Got Inside Cartel Money Laundering Rings
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Matthew Hedger—a former CIA operative and intelligence advisor with extensive experience in undercover operations and transnational criminal investigations. Matthew shares his background working under non-official cover, infiltrating criminal organizations, and gathering intelligence on illicit finance networks. He discusses how cartels move money through c
CJNG: The Next ISIS? Ex-Special Forces, China Threat & More | Q&A with Vince and Katarina
On today's episode, Vince and Borderland: Dispatches host Katarina Szulc answer audience questions about the state of cartel violence and U.S. border security. They explore comparisons between CJNG and terrorist organizations like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, analyze whether Mexican cartels pose a greater long-term threat than China or Russia, and discuss common public misconceptions about cartel operation
BONUS - The LA Protests: What's Really Happening (with Jorge Ventura)
On this special Borderland: Narcosis interview, Vince sits down with NewsNation's Jorge Ventura to break down the chaos unfolding in Los Angeles. What began as peaceful protests has spiraled into violent clashes, property destruction, and citywide unrest. Jorge offers a frontline perspective on how these protests escalated, what the mainstream media is leaving out, and the deeper social and politi
The Global Drug Web: Sinaloa Submarines, Triads, and the Expanding Fentanyl Crisis from New Zealand to the Pacific
On today’s episode, Vince sits down with Sean Williams, investigative journalist and host of The Underworld Podcast, to discuss the explosive growth of global drug cartels. They explore New Zealand’s soaring cocaine use, the rise of foreign cartel influence, and the role of Chinese triads in money laundering.
A highlight is the Sinaloa Cartel’s use of submarines to smuggle drugs, showing how cart
Jason Owens on Serving as Border Patrol Chief Under Biden and Today’s Security Threats
On today's episode, Vince speaks with Jason D. Owens, former Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol under the Biden administration. Owens discusses his career in the Border Patrol, the challenges faced during his tenure, and the realities of retirement. The conversation covers issues including border security, the impact of transnational cartels, human trafficking, and the role of specialized units like
How U.S. Bank Policy, A.I., and Canada’s Emerging Role Are Fueling the Cartel Economy (Steven Dudley Returns)
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Steven Dudley, co-founder of Insight Crime and one of the leading voices on Latin American organized crime. They unpack the arrest of a top Sinaloa Cartel leader in Oregon—the largest fentanyl bust in DEA history—and what it means for cartel power dynamics.
The conversation dives into how cartels exploit U.S. banks to launder billions, with a focus on the $
Mexico Rejects U.S. Help and Cartels Exploit Canada’s Weakness (Katarina Szulc returns)
On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back investigative journalist Katarina Szulc for a conversation on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations and cartel activity across North America.
They discuss Mexico’s refusal to accept U.S. assistance in the fight against organized crime, the growing presence of cartels in Canada, and the challenges posed by Canada’s legal system in addressing transn
America’s Blindspots? Are Tariffs Fueling Organized Crime and What Did We Miss About Tren de Aragua?
On today's episode, Vince welcomes back crime analyst and journalist Chris Dalby to examine how economic policies like tariffs can unintentionally empower cartels.
They unpack the evolving tactics of criminal networks, explore how legitimate industries become entangled in illicit operations, and assess how U.S.-Mexico relations influence crime on both sides of the border.
Chris also introduces
Project Thor: It Was Working Against Cartels—So the Government Shut It Down (Pete Forcelli Returns)
On today's episode, Vince welcomes back former ATF Deputy Assistant Director and Operation Fast and Furious whistleblower, Pete Forcelli, to discuss Project Thor.
Project Thor was a multi-agency initiative led by the ATF from 2018 to 2020, designed to disrupt the illegal flow of firearms from the U.S. to Mexican cartels. It targeted trafficking networks tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
Kentucky's MASSIVE CJNG Money Laundering Operation? Did a Cattle Farm Help Launder Cartel Billions?
To read a copy of the death investigation, CLICK: HERE
In this episode of Borderland: NARCOSIS, Vince sits down with Jon Griggs to discuss an ongoing federal investigation into a cattle farm Ponzi scheme that has already been classified as fraud by the FBI. With a background in law enforcement, Griggs shares how the case began with inflated cattle counts and investor losses—but quickly revealed
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