Edinburg, Tx -- This home-based interview consists of several questions and answers over drug-cartel violence and human smuggling. The approx. time of interview was 37 mins.GSSL Student: What drugs are being smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico by drug cartels?
Agent: All type of drugs are being smuggled into the U.S., but the main ones are marijuana and cocaine. In every marijuana load, 1 out of every 8 dope gets caught and seized. We hardly ever catch cocaine, mainly because drug cartel organizations are too extremely organized; due to the fact that cocaine is expensive and demandful. Another reason why we don't seize too much is due to the fact that they have endless amount of money and members within their organizations. They also have better weapons and advanced technology, such as (night vision, infra red cameras), which makes them know where we are at most of the time.
GSSL Student: What impact would legalization/decriminalization of some drugs have on the cartels?
Agent: It would impact cartels in a negative way, since illicit drugs is their money-maker. But here in the U.S., drugs would never become legalized or decriminalized, but lets say it did happen, the solution to this factor would be that drug cartels would just sell it cheaper and still make their profit.
GSSL Student: What tactics are cartel groups using to smuggle in humans/narcotics?
Agent: Cartel members are now using high tactical acts of surveillance so they can know where we are at most of the time. Another recently used, and effective tactic is known as the Sacrificial Lamb. In this tactic, cartels send two non-members to get intentionally caught while distracting agents, while close by, cartel members pass illicit loads of narcotics and people. Another tactic that is now seen is cartel members recruiting immigrants to pass drugs/narcotics on their way into the U.S. We are still trying to figure out if immigrants have close ties with carterls, or if they are being forced into smuggling. Lastly, one veri important tactic that we are dealing with is cartels using little kids as coyotes, to smuggle drugs/humans. They are targeting kids because they are very aware of U.S. laws, where no kid cannot be tried and prosecuted; therefore, using kids as the perfect tactic.
GSSL Student: What criminal activity reports or scenes did you witness throughout this week by cartel groups?
Agent: This week I caught 7 people, illegally entering the U.S. by swimming across the river. Its a very common daily routine, seizing and catching illegals/narcotics.
GSSL: Have you been in a situation where you encountered a drug cartel suspect, if so, how did you handle the situation?
Agent: Yes, it happens a lot of times. If it involves drugs, we wear vests and equipt ourselves with guns to be safe just in case they attack us. One time, we spotted members trying to smuggle in drugs, but when they saw us they drove back towards and into the river leaving the load behind.
GSSL Student: What do you think about CBP corruption?
Agent: Its wrong and not worth it, but people give in easily. Its not worth it in the long run. CBP pays good and has a good system, so I dont understand why individuals would go corrupted. At least once a month, one person is caught and prosecuted for CBP corruption.
GSSL Student: Where can I find useful and accurate open source intelligence information to conduct my academia research?
Agent: Since, I'm an agent out on the field, the best advice that I can give you is to check and look up el blog del narco, youtube, and todo sobre el narcotraficante blog as well.
GSSL Student: How much of a threat are drug cartels perceived as?
Agent: Cartels are a big threat, as well as their violence because its close to border. They have endless money. They have tons of weapons smuggled south from the U.S. Different cartel members are also seen and live in the valley, such as zetas/golfo/la mana members. Alot of them are U.S. citizens and they live and operate here. They are used for counter intelligence against the U.S.
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