24.02.2026 09:22
Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo announced that approximately 80% of the weapons seized in operations against cartels are of U.S. origin; this statement has brought discussions about arms smuggling and cross-border security cooperation back to the forefront.
Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo announced that the vast majority of the firearms seized in the fight against drug cartels across the country are sourced from the United States. According to the latest data provided by Minister Trevilla, approximately 78-80% of the nearly 18,000 long and short-barreled weapons seized by security forces during the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum are recorded to be of U.S. origin.
"SMUGGLED INTO THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY"
The statement noted that most of these weapons were smuggled into Mexico from the United States illegally and that organized crime groups use these military and semi-automatic weapons in their daily operations. It was emphasized that high-powered weapons, particularly .50 caliber Barrett rifles, have been widely seized by the cartels and used against police and civilians during raids.
CONCERNS GROW
According to official data, among the seized weapons since the end of 2024 are high-capacity long-barreled weapons, machine guns, and heavy infantry equipment. This situation has increased the security forces' concerns about the arms supply chain and has brought the importance of cross-border cooperation against arms smuggling back to the forefront.
COMING FROM PRIVATE GUN STORES IN THE U.S.
Experts indicate that the gun supply laws in the United States play a significant role in the large number of weapons falling into the hands of criminal organizations in Mexico. Previous analyses suggest that a large portion of these weapons is illegally transported to the southern border from private gun stores and unregulated sales channels in the U.S.
The Mexican government has long been calling for the development of joint strategies with the U.S. against arms smuggling. Officials are demanding both an increase in border security and stricter controls on the supply chain on the U.S. side.