Former Jalisco Cartel Operative Reveals He Made Thousands Of Dollars a Month Flying Explosive-Laden Drones

A former operative of the Jalisco Cartel revealed he made thousands of dollars a month operating explosive-laden drones for the criminal organization.

The man, known as "Lima," detailed his activity in the podcast "War Zone." Speaking to YouTuber Gafe 423, he said he didn't join because of economic needs but to "feel part of something."

Lima detailed that he began selling drugs and taking part of the profits. The figure increased substantially when he formally joined the Jalisco Cartel. He said he began making 8,000 Mexican pesos a month ($425) while he was undergoing training, but the amount climbed to 12,000 when he learned how to handle weapons ($638).

Lima was then promoted to a unit that operated drones, known as Fuerzas Especiales Mencho, a 15-member team based in remote, difficult-to-access camps hidden in the mountains.

He detailed that he was subjected to rigorous training and was constantly exposed to danger. Moreover, if he made an error, he could see part of his salary subtracted or subjected to physical punishment. Then, he made 28,000 pesos a week (about $1,500).

Lima added that the cartel used adapted commercial models capable of carrying large bombs over distances greater than 100 kilometers with up to five hours of battery life. He also claimed that, on some occasions, the materials used in the bombs had labels identifying them as property of the Mexican military.

Drone operators were ordered to strike rival groups, targeting vehicles and camps. In some cases, Lima said, the drones were also used against Mexican authorities.

The use of drones by criminal groups has grown rapidly and, according to U.S. officials, poses a growing threat to national security. Earlier this month, a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security warned that it is only a matter of time before cartels begin using drones to attack American personnel.

"It's just a matter of time until Americans or law enforcement agents are targeted," said Steven Willoughby, deputy director of the department's Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Echoing Lima's testimony, Willoughby said Mexican cartels already use drones on a daily basis to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the United States. He also warned that cartels are conducting what he described as "hostile surveillance" on law enforcement operations.

Lima said in another passage of the interview that his commander allowed him to leave the cartel, and has had trouble going back to the civilian life but does not recommend people join cartels.