7 American-made firearms popular with Mexican gangs, smuggling rampant_1

**Interviewer:** Can you explain what types of firearms are popular among drug cartels in Mexico and what makes them significant?

**Expert:** Certainly. U.S.-made firearms are especially sought after by Mexican drug trafficking organizations due to their firepower and overall effectiveness. This has resulted in an alarming rise in smuggling operations, with more than 200,000 various firearms worth millions of dollars being trafficked into Mexico annually. The influx of these weapons intensifies the ongoing arms race between rival gangs and contributes to the violent turmoil in the region.

**Interviewer:** Can you give us some specific examples of weapons that are particularly favored by these cartels?

**Expert:** One prime example is the Minigun, which is highly prized by cartels. With a price tag of around $50,000, it features automatic loading and can devastate a vehicle in minutes. José Alberto Baena, the security chief in Morelia, points out that this weapon is typically reserved for the upper echelons of drug trafficking organizations, making it a true symbol of power.

**Interviewer:** What about the Barrett sniper rifle?

**Expert:** The Barrett sniper rifle, which costs about $5,000, is notable for its ability to penetrate armor and buildings. Cartels often employ this weapon against military helicopters and armored vehicles, usually distributing it to mid-level gang members—many of whom have undergone special ops training.

**Interviewer:** How does the M249 light machine gun fit into this context?

**Expert:** The M249, priced around $10,000, is a popular choice among drug lords. It features an impressive fire rate of 850 rounds per minute and has become somewhat of a status symbol, akin to owning a luxury item like a Gucci bag.

**Interviewer:** Can you tell me about the customized Colt pistols?

**Expert:** Customized Colt pistols typically sell for around $3,000 each and are designed specifically for the Mexican market. Within drug trafficking circles, these firearms serve as significant status symbols.

**Interviewer:** What role do rocket launchers play in these operations?

**Expert:** Rocket launchers, available for about $750, are handy for gangs aiming to take out specific targets. For instance, M72 LAW anti-tank rockets have been used against Mexican military forces, and authorities have seized 127 of these weapons from 2008 to 2023.

**Interviewer:** The AK-47 is quite a well-known weapon. How does it rank among these firearms?

**Expert:** The AK-47, generally priced around $650, is arguably the most commonly used automatic weapon among Mexican gangs. It’s especially popular among lower-tier members due to its availability and reliability.

**Interviewer:** Lastly, what about handguns like the Beretta?

**Expert:** The Beretta handgun, costing about $400, is typically given to the most junior gang members, including recruits as young as children. It’s often used for violent tasks, such as assassinations and extortion. Its low cost makes it one of the cheapest weapons in circulation, primarily utilized for low-level hits, targeting market vendors or taxi drivers.

**Interviewer:** Are there any other types of firearms that appear in these operations?

**Expert:** Yes, newly recruited gang members often get armed with cheap, 3D-printed weapons or rudimentary firearms crafted by local gunsmiths. While these weapons may lack precision, the loss of inexperienced gang members in shootouts is often perceived as minimal, reflecting the grim reality they face.