Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

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-Effect-Communist-Americas-Backyard/dp/0888903162 Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (03:14) The Cartel Threat at the Canadian Border (13:24) Transnational Narco-Terrorism & Political Infiltration (21:17) Understanding "Hybrid Warfare.” (26:24) Mega-Banks, Casinos, & Unchecked Money Laundering (35:43 ) Is Canada Losing Control to Organized Crime? (45:57) The Direct Threat to U.S. National Security (51:17 ) Exposing the Truth: Backlash & Death Threats (02:03) The Next 5 Years: Will Canada Face a Crisis? Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (04:09) Fighting in Ukraine & Surviving Russian Assassins (09:28) Are Mexican Cartels Learning Drone Warfare in Ukraine? (13:18) The Danger of Rogue Networks in South America (21:25) Cartel Drone Evolution & The "Spider Web" Attack (28:49) Drone Tech 101: Kinetic, ISR, & Agricultural Drones (37:31) Global Deployments & Why Border Security is Crucial (42:10) Will Cartels Attack the US? & A $20 Defense Tool (45:29) Vetting Foreign Fighters & How to Support the Wolverines Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=ironclad&utm_campaign=ironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: 00:00 - Intro & The Rumors Around El Mencho's Death (03:11) What Really Happened During the Raid? (09:49) Fake Evidence, Missing Ledgers & The Honeypot Theory (16:41) Kat Investigates the Open Crime Scene (27:20) Wild Transport Theories & The Airplane Death (31:48) The Future of CJNG & The Sinaloa Cartel (38:43) Mexican Political Fallout & Spillover Threats (46:44) US Special Forces & Global Drug Operations (54:15) Foreign Mercenaries in Ukraine & Outro Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=ironclad&utm_campaign=ironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 on El Mencho’s Compound (03:50) How the Mexican Army Found Him (05:51) Suspicious Evidence: Why the Scene Doesn't Add Up (08:45) Secret Operations & Government Incompetence (11:15) The Truth: Was the Death Faked? (13:41) Cartel Power Vacuum: Who Takes Control? (18:49) Forensic Proof: The Body and the Funeral (23:23) The Secret Ledger System (28:02) US Involvement: Delta, Seals, and High-Altitude Jumps (31:21) The Next Targets: Chapo’s Sons and Remaining Bosses (37:54) Insurgency Risk: The Future of Mexican Violence (42:56) Is Mexico Safe for Travel Right Now? Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Intro: The Convergence of Crime in Canada (01:03) The Death of El Mencho & Global Cartel Takedowns (03:16) Cartel Operations & Police Corruption in Canada (07:21) The Global Web: Iran, China, & Narco-Terrorism (10:38) 4D Chess: US Strategy & Securing Critical Minerals (17:05) Cognitive Warfare & US-Canada Relations (21:40) Why Canada is the Next Big Security Threat (26:35) The Northern Border Crisis & Human Smuggling (29:41) Ryan Wedding Update & Potential Fallout (34:24) Mexican President Sheinbaum & US Intelligence (38:13) Do the Mexican People Support US Intervention? (40:31) Corrupt Officials & El Mencho's Financial Networks (43:19) Chinese Money Laundering & The Trudeau Meeting (47:12) Future Threats: Drone Warfare & Chinese Bio-Labs Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Chapters: (00:00) Intro: The Downfall of El Mencho (01:34) Why President Sheinbaum Caved to US Pressure (03:14) Tourism Panic & Evacuating Americans (06:14) US Intelligence & The Master Plan (09:54) The 4-Hour Firefight & CIA Drone Operations (11:51) Who is the New Cartel Boss Taking Over? (15:07) Cartel Retaliation & Negotiating with the Government (17:34) Will Cartels Start Targeting Americans? (20:13) Why Cartel Leaders Are Breathing a Sigh of Relief (22:09) The Real Motive: China, the US, & the Silver Market (28:25) How This Impacts the Sinaloa Cartel (31:10) US SEAL Teams & Covert CIA Ops in Mexico (36:20) US Drug Demand vs. Cartel Supply (39:17) US Military Intervention & Mexican Sovereignty (49:00) Who’s Next on the US Hitlist? Sponsors: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Gangs & Cartel Power (08:17) How Border Policies Shift Cartel Operations (12:16) The Cartel's Adaptable Business Model (16:20) Money Laundering: Innocent Employees or Cartel Accomplices? (19:32 ) The Arrest of El Mencho’s Son-in-Law (22:08) Law Enforcement Corruption & Cartel Infiltration (30:19) Do Cartels Bring Violence to Local Communities? (33:46) How the Mexican Mafia & Prison Gangs Control the Streets (36:52) Stopping the Cartels: Why Law Enforcement Must Cooperate (40:34) The Dark Reality of Human Trafficking in Suburbia (44:28) Child Trafficking & The Psychological Toll on Investigators (48:12) A Disturbing New Trend: The Return of Massive Meth Labs (50:20) - Final Thoughts Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLADand use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Subscribe to Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/target-intelligence-psyop-with-shawn-ryan/id1872168845 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of the Events in Venezuela on the Drug Trade (13:31) Reported Agreement B/T Trump and Sheimbaum to Take Down Cartel Leaders (14:26) Leaked Information of Operation Sierra (15:46) Why Taking Out Kingpins Doesn't Work as a Strategy (17:32) Targeting Money Launderers Is the Key to Disrupting Drug Trade (28:43 ) How Targeting Narco Tunnels Works (33:32) Targeting Tunnel Chokepoints and Not Shipments to Disrupt Operations (40:45) Tactics of Tractor Trailer Operations vs. Tunnels (57:54) The Plaza System - How Narco Tax Collectors Work (01:07:42) What Drug World Could Look Like in 5 Years Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/BORDERLAND and use code BORDERLAND for an extra 15% off sitewide. Subscribe to Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/target-intelligence-psyop-with-shawn-ryan/id1872168845 Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 ground, the challenges of identification and repatriation, and how global actors — including China — intersect with border security issues. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:25) Illegal Crossings, Abandoned IDs at San Diego Border (02:27) Mexican Military or CJNG? (10:24) Evidence of Crossings the Government is Missing (18:41) Armed Men Crossed Same Day as Ryan Wedding Arrest (20:25) Venezuela, China, and Russia (27:51) The Language of the media and Politics (33:16) How ICE's Mission has Evolved (40:38) Humor in Government Agencies' Social Accounts (49:36) The Threat of Terror Cells in the US (50:23) China as the most dangerous country to the US Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/BORDERLAND and use code BORDERLAND for an extra 15% off sitewide. Subscribe to Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/target-intelligence-psyop-with-shawn-ryan/id1872168845 Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (04:21) - How a Cartel Gold Mine was Reclaimed (17:25)- Why Cartels Maintain Power in Mexico (19:50) - Mexico’s Most Recent Extraditions of Cartel Leaders to US (23:38) - President Sheimbaum’s Approach to Cartels and US Relations (32:12) - Cartels as Integrated Ecomomic and Social Entities (39:48) - The US’s Role and Responsibility in Drug Trafficking Networks (44:35) - Drone Warfare: Cartels’ Most Intimidating Tactic (47:56) - From Special Forces to Training to El Mencho and CJNG’s Evolution Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/BORDERLAND and use code BORDERLAND for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Original Disclaimer: Listen to Jon’s first episode to catch up on the full story: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/borderland-narcosis-with-vincent-rocco-vargas/id1730589324?i=1000705242380 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fYE3xf5YgRxNKaBdN5GiU?si=588f3010be204a9a Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (03:38) $10 Billion Money Trail (8:24) Unmasking Shell Companies and Florida Properties (11:58) Torture, Crypto King, and Potential Child Trafficking Victim (17:04) Pre-textural Stops, Political Ties, Unanswered Calls to the AG (25:00) Police and Politicians Possibly Implicated in Money Laundering (32:09) From Dubai to China: The Global Crime Network Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/BORDERLAND and use code BORDERLAND for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 political polarization. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:01) Journalism Suppression in Venezuela (03:08)The Shocking Reactions to Capture of Maduro (10:16)Suffering in Venezuela (12:01)The Collapse of the Venezuela Economy (15:19) Human Rights Violations in Venezuela (17:21) What Comes Next for the People of Venezuela (21:10) Watching Maduro's Capture in Real Time (27:53) The Election That Was Stolen (32:58) There are People Worse than Maduro in Venezuela (37:12)America's Division is Deep (40:52) Maduro is gone, but the regime remains SPONSORS: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/BORDERLAND and use code BORDERLAND for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Venezuelan Regime Members Still in Power (40:00) - Additional Targets for Military Action (51:00) - Direct Action Against Mexico Coming in the Cartel Wars Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Visit https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland for Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 GHOSTBED: Go to GhostBed.com/BORDERLAND and use code BORDERLAND for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at norwoodsawmills.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ventura reveals alliances between the CCP and Mexican cartels to smuggle Chinese operatives into the U.S. Borderland: Narcosis is an IRONCLAD Original Follow Jorge on X: https://x.com/VenturaReport 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.polis.2025 Seasons Housing: https://www.seasonshousing.org/ More from IRONCLAD: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisironclad Sponsors: 1st Phorm: Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: 1stPhorm Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Aura: Go To: https://aura.com/ironclad to try 14 days for free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: https://globalreconreport.substack.com/p/operation-southern-spear-and-the?r=6did6v Follow Nick on IG: @globalreconreport_ Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: 1st Phorm visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $75 Delete Me Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, visit Pierre's substack: https://substack.com/inbox/post/179217530?r=4trvxq&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 IRONCLAD Original To purchase Borderland Merch, visit: https://thisisironclad.com/collections/borderland Sponsors: 1stPhorm Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 hidden industry few Americans know about. To purchase Borderland Merch, visit: https://thisisironclad.com/collections/borderland Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original 1stPhorm Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Sponsors: 1stPhorm Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code Mizzen and Main Black Friday Deal: Score 25% off at Mizzen & Main with code IRONCLAD20! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Sponsors: 1stPhorm Go to⁠ ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: http://psyopshow.com/ Sponsors: 1stPhorm Go to ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 trust, and the scale of drug trafficking. This conversation also exposes the realities of the drug trade, and why America’s approach to the war on drugs remains a challenge. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Buy Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: http://psyopshow.com/ Sponsors: 1stPhorm Go to ⁠https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland⁠ and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices