Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

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

In a gripping discussion, Ed Calderón, a former Mexican law enforcement officer, reveals the chilling evolution of cartels into paramilitary forces, highlighting the use of weaponized drone swarms and child recruits in rural Mexico. He examines the alarming rise of drone attacks, arms trafficking routes linked to Europe, and the risks posed to U.S. interests. Calderón also delves into the geopolitical dynamics of Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, raising concerns about local perceptions of cartels and their role in communities. It's a stark look at the unfolding threats along the border.

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

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 abroad, bounties on CBP personnel, and the extent to which U.S. policy and demand contribute to cartel power. Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisironclad 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. Marek Health Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout. 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 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 Border, the strategic dismantling of cartel infrastructure, and the rise of South American cartels attempting to exploit gaps in Mexico’s drug trade. Jaeson also examines the global nature of smuggling, the challenges posed by outdated laws, and the critical role of collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico. 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. 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. Marek Health Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout. 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