A disturbing video footage from Mexico has surfaced, appearing to show a member of a drug cartel brandishing a U.S.-made anti-tank weapon.
The United States has provided tens of thousands of anti-tank missiles to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in early 2021, leading to questions about how such weapons found their way into the hands of cartels.
The video, captured in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, shows a militant from the notorious Gulf Cartel carrying what appears to be a U.S.-manufactured anti-tank missile. Experts have identified the weapon as a Javelin anti-tank missile, specifically a Raytheon-made FGM-148, according to previous reports by Milenio TV. The individual is also seen carrying an AK-47 rifle and wearing patches indicating his affiliation with the cartel.
Azucena Uresti, a producer for Milenio TV, later mentioned that the Javelin launcher holds significant value on the black market, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $60,000. Each missile carries an average cost of approximately $30,000.
Some military experts have suggested that the weapon in question might actually be an AT-4, a disposable anti-tank launcher produced by Sweden and used by the U.S. military.
Both the Javelin and AT-4 have been provided to Ukraine in substantial quantities since 2021. The emergence of this video raises concerns about the potential for weapons intended for Ukraine ending up in the hands of cartels or other terrorist groups.
NEW: Mexican TV channel Milenio reports that U.S. made Javelin anti-tank missiles have ended up in the hands of the Cartel Del Golfo (CDG) in Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Thousands of Javelins have been sent to Ukraine.
“In Tamaulipas, an alleged member of the Gulf Cartel was recorded… pic.twitter.com/6eipFhLHwB— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 1, 2023
In response to such risks, Western nations have been collaborating with the Ukrainian government to develop a tracking system for weapons shipments, as reported by The Financial Times. However, there are challenges in monitoring the whereabouts of these weapons once they reach the Ukrainian border and are divided among various vehicles, such as trucks, vans, and even private cars.
Bonnie Denise Jenkins, the U.S. undersecretary for arms control and international security, acknowledged the concerns over U.S. weapons falling into the wrong hands amid the ongoing conflict. She emphasized the United States’ commitment to protecting its defense technologies and preventing their diversion or illicit proliferation.
In addition, Jenkins expressed confidence in the Ukrainian government’s dedication to appropriately safeguarding and accounting for U.S. weapons, stating that the U.S. maintains continued contact with Ukraine on this issue.
