Brutal Mexican cartels pimping up Mad Max-style monster trucks with machine gun turrets

Heavily armed vehicles are used in pitched gun battles between cartels (Image: @FGRMexico/Twitter)

Deadly drug cartels in Mexico are loading up armoured trucks with advanced weaponry like rocket launchers and sniper rifles to display dominance and rule rival cartels in the cocaine trail

By Vassia Barba
US News Reporter
16:52, 6 Aug 2023 UPDATED17:10, 6 Aug 2023

The world's deadliest drug cartels have taken the concept of monster trucks to a terrifying level by retrofitting popular pickups with armour, battering rams, and machine gun turrets.

These heavily armed vehicles are used in pitched gun battles between cartels and the police or rival groups. They are known as "monstruos," "rinocerontes," or "narcotanques." The cartels aim to demonstrate their dominance and intimidate their adversaries.

The evolution of these armoured trucks reflects the escalating violence in Mexico 's drug wars and the cartels' ability to outmanoeuvre authorities. These vehicles and other advanced weaponry like rocket launchers and sniper rifles indicate the cartels' growing sophistication and emulation of special forces tactics.

The armoured trucks have emerged in the past decade, with the involvement of former elite soldiers in cartels' ranks. Seizures of these trucks reveal regions where cartel activities are prevalent. Despite the crime of unauthorised vehicle armouring, the production of these trucks remains robust.

More:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/brutal-mexican-cartels-pimping-up-30640919