Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

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 questions surrounding the case. The conversation also touches on how cartel operations have evolved and Berrellez’s perspective on ongoing drug enforcement efforts. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:31) Taking Over the Kiki Camarena Case (06:06) Discovering CIA Involvement (08:45) The Real Reason Kiki Was Murdered (10:35) Addressing Skeptics and "The Last Narc" (14:08) Orders from Washington and the Cover-up (17:06) High-Level Corruption and Ricky Ross (23:51) Evolution of Cartels and Extermination Camps (33:00) The Future of the Drug War and Fentanyl 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 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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU69IWUT8m_qPT01AbelXiA Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:12) The War in Mexico & Political Pressure (06:03) Inside the Sinaloa Cartel: Myths vs. Reality (15:51) Faction Analysis: Who is Winning the War? (19:57) The Next High-Value Targets (26:13) Intelligence Gaps & The Safe House Raid (35:43) Violence Against Tourists & Missing Persons (40:00) Can the Drug Trade Be Stopped? (50:13) The Rise of Methamphetamines & Industrial Scaling (53:29) The Colombia Connection: Subs & Mercenaries Sponsors: FIRECRACKER FARM Enter the Firecracker Farms Hot Salts Giveaway from April 20-24, for a chance to win an Ammo Can Hot Salt Kit + handcrafted Walnut Holder: https://app.viralsweep.com/sweeps/full/2c256c-225272?framed=1 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 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 Mosque on the Tijuana Border (04:42) Special Interest Aliens Illegally Crossing (07:05) The "Got Away" Problem and Border Patrol Suppression (09:49) Smuggling Routes: Nicaragua and the Role of Mexico (13:48) The Surge of Iranian Nationals During Conflict (15:11) Cartel Involvement: Sinaloa, CJNG, and Money Laundering (20:51) Fentanyl Precursors and the Rise in Chinese Nationals (26:26) The CBP One App and Asylum Loophole Challenges (34:06) Future Reporting: Mexico’s Missing Persons and Kidnapping 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, 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