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Luis Chaparro, an investigative reporter specializing in cartel activities, returns to discuss the evolving strategies of cartels, particularly their shift from drug trafficking to legitimate businesses. He previously revealed that China was aiding cartels in the fentanyl crisis, a topic now gaining mainstream attention. Chaparro notes that cartels are increasingly moving into sectors like mining, agriculture, and even transportation, leveraging their power to control resources and extort businesses. Chaparro shares that cartels are now involved in legitimate industries, including avocado and lemon production, where they manipulate supply to inflate prices. They have also begun controlling water resources during a severe drought in northern Mexico, extracting water from natural springs and selling it to businesses. This control extends to the jellyfish market, where cartels have taken over the lucrative trade by threatening local fishermen. The discussion highlights the sophistication of cartel operations, including the use of drones for surveillance and attacks. Chaparro explains that cartels are employing explosive-laden drones, a tactic that has evolved from earlier methods. He emphasizes that these organizations are no longer just drug cartels but complex criminal enterprises with significant influence over various sectors of the economy. Chaparro expresses concern over the implications of cartel power, noting that they are among the largest employers in Mexico, second only to the government. He argues that the Mexican government must acknowledge the severity of the situation and adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat cartel influence, focusing on financial disruption rather than solely armed confrontation. The conversation underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address the deep-rooted issues posed by cartel operations in Mexico.

This week, Shawn Ryan interviews Ioan Grillo, an investigative journalist focused on cartels, particularly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. They discuss the recent power dynamics in Mexico, including the Mexican government's capitulation to the Sinaloa cartel, which led to the release of El Chapo's son, Ovidio Guzmán, after a violent confrontation with security forces. Grillo details a significant military operation on January 5, where the Mexican army engaged cartel members in a rural area, resulting in casualties on both sides. The operation coincided with President Biden's visit to Mexico, raising questions about its timing and whether it was a strategic move to showcase the government's efforts against cartels. The conversation shifts to the complexities of cartel operations, including their control over local governments and the intertwining of criminal organizations with state authorities. Grillo highlights the ongoing violence, with cartels employing brutal tactics to instill fear and maintain control, including public displays of violence reminiscent of medieval warfare. They discuss the rise of fentanyl trafficking, which has drastically increased overdose deaths in the U.S. The conversation touches on the challenges of combating this crisis, including the difficulties of enforcing border security and the inefficiencies of the U.S. and Mexican governments in addressing organized crime. Grillo emphasizes the need for comprehensive law enforcement strategies, crime prevention programs targeting youth, and addressing the economic motivations behind cartel activities. He notes the importance of understanding the social dynamics that lead young individuals to join cartels, often due to lack of opportunities and the allure of power and money. The discussion also covers the fragmented nature of cartel operations, with various factions often at odds with each other, leading to intra-cartel violence. Grillo explains how cartels can simultaneously engage in brutal tactics while also attempting to win over local populations through acts of charity, creating a complex relationship with communities. As they conclude, Grillo reflects on the potential future of organized crime in Latin America, drawing parallels with the situation in El Salvador, where the government has taken a hardline approach against gangs, leading to mass incarcerations. He warns that similar tactics might emerge in Mexico as the government struggles to regain control over powerful cartels. The episode highlights the intricate and violent landscape of cartel operations in Mexico, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the urgent need for effective strategies to combat the growing influence of organized crime.

An hour of history and fear begins with Aztec death whistles, said to keep armies awake and unsettled. The discussion links these whistles to pre‑Columbian tribes, shamans, and animal‑style sounds used in night raids to disrupt sleep and wear down enemies. It covers the Aztec and Maya civilizations, the pyramids at Chichén Itzá, and a city long called the city of the gods, abandoned before European arrival. Bloodletting and human sacrifice appear in ritual depictions, while Catholic and Spanish forces blended cultures, yielding mestizaje and a modern, mixed‑heritage Mexico. The era’s engineering and ritual violence reveal a civilization whose history interweaves conquest, creation, and mystery. Today, Ed Calderon describes a border landscape where brutality has migrated into a technologically driven cartel economy. The new generation cartel dominates Sinaloa and northern regions, with Mayo and Guzmán factions trading blows in a war that halts cities and commerce. Cartels recruit openly on TikTok, lure vulnerable youth into training camps, test them with violence, and assign recruits to tanks or drones. Drone warfare, IEDs, and corruption blur the line between criminals and state actors. Fuel theft, Chinese intermediaries, and money laundering fund the fight, while Mayo’s arrest and shifting loyalties intensify the conflict across the border. Politically, the scene mixes cartel power with governance. Morena and Calderón eras are discussed as cartels embed in local politics, police, and even universities. Ed notes assassinations and security politicization, plus U.S. and Chinese involvement—from drones to fentanyl precursors and cross‑border trade. Debates about deportations, amnesty, and census rules surface alongside reflections on immigration and labor. A Texas arrest of a top cartel head is cited, with unclear consequences for governance and security in both countries, underscoring how policy, crime, and diplomacy intersect on the border. Interwoven with war reports are intimate stories of survival. Ed shares his journey from addiction to sobriety and his immigration experience, expressing that America remains a fragile beacon worth defending. He advocates dialogue over demonization, acknowledging how economies, borders, and people are entwined, and that violence on one side becomes global risk on the other. The core message: the United States and Mexico need cooperative, prudent strategies that address crime, migration, and prosperity while preserving humanity and opportunity for those seeking a better life.

The episode centers on a high-profile raid in which Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, prompting widespread unrest across 20 states as roadblocks and violence emerged in the wake of his death. The discussion emphasizes that the CJNG was a highly influential, loosely centralized organization with a broad footprint, and notes that the leadership vacuum is likely to trigger internal power struggles and a renewed show of force from affiliates. The hosts and guest explain why authorities moved decisively, citing actionable intelligence shared with the United States and a calculation that pursuing a strong response would deter further violence while signaling sovereignty in the face of potential U.S. unilateral actions. They also contrast this administration’s approach with prior strategies, highlighting a shift toward aggressive targeting of senior cartel figures and a reliance on intelligence collaboration with the U.S. to justify interventions, while resisting foreign military involvement on Mexican soil. The conversation also touches on domestic political dynamics, public sentiment toward President Sheinbaum’s security policies, and how cross-border pressures—economic and diplomatic—shape Mexico’s stance on law enforcement and cooperation with the United States.

The hosts examine Trump’s threat to bomb Mexico after reports about intelligence‑community target list for actions in Colombia and Mexico. They contend the list points to real trafficking networks rather than Venezuelan activity and warn that a “target‑rich” approach risks widening conflict rather than concentrating it on drug routes. The discussion echoes hawkish rhetoric, noting bluffing toward war can harden into actual conflict as Caribbean tensions rise and U.S. escalation seems plausible. They observe Trump’s remarks imply a willingness to strike if it furthers anti‑drug aims, while Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum rejects military intervention and favors cooperation within sovereign borders. The segment highlights how briefings and quotes can spill into policy with dangerous momentum. Second part covers Mexico City protests at Sheinbaum’s government, regime sentiment, and risk of U.S. pressure. They note opposition crowds, organized‑crime presence, and cartel violence. Across the interview, the hosts compare high Sheinbaum approval with fragile security and urge cautious interpretation of protests as democratic expression or strategic maneuvering.

Joe Rogan interviews Ioan Grillo, a journalist specializing in narco journalism. Grillo discusses his background, including his move to Mexico City at 28 to pursue journalism, and his initial romanticized views of Latin America. He quickly shifted focus to narco journalism as he encountered the drug trade and violence upon arriving in Mexico. Grillo shares his experiences with the rampant corruption in Mexico, illustrating it with the story of a police officer who was also a cartel member, training young recruits in violent tactics. He reflects on the dangers of covering drug-related stories, noting the escalating violence since he began reporting in 2001, particularly after the Mexican government's military crackdown on cartels in 2006. He highlights the complexity of the drug war, describing it as a "crime war" rather than a traditional conflict, with cartels using extreme violence, including beheadings and mass killings, to assert control. Grillo emphasizes the impact of drug policy in the U.S. on the violence in Mexico, arguing for reform and discussing the economic incentives that drive the drug trade. The conversation touches on the social issues that lead individuals to join cartels, including poverty and lack of family support. Grillo advocates for social work initiatives to address these root causes and shares stories of individuals affected by the violence, including a mother searching for her kidnapped son. Rogan and Grillo discuss the U.S. gun culture, the ease of acquiring firearms, and the implications for both countries. Grillo notes the significant number of guns trafficked from the U.S. to Mexico and the challenges of addressing this issue. They also touch on the complexities of policing in Mexico, where corruption and violence complicate law enforcement efforts. The interview concludes with Grillo reflecting on the normalization of violence in Mexico and the challenges of reporting on such a dangerous subject. He shares insights from his experiences, including meeting Chapo Guzmán's family and the bizarre nature of celebrity interactions with drug lords, such as Sean Penn's meeting with Chapo. Grillo's work aims to shed light on the realities of the drug trade and its impact on society.

Ed Calderon is a non-permissive environment specialist with a background in law enforcement in Mexico. He teaches survival skills for dangerous environments, including escaping handcuffs and zip ties. Calderon's law enforcement career began in 2004, coinciding with Felipe Calderón's presidency, which marked the start of a militarized war against drug cartels. Initially, Calderon expected community policing but faced urban warfare instead, as cartels fought for control over lucrative drug routes, particularly in Tijuana. The tightening of borders post-9/11 led to economic decline in border towns, exacerbating cartel violence. Calderon describes the overt presence of cartels during his early career, where military and law enforcement often turned a blind eye due to corruption. The militarization of counter-narcotics efforts shifted the dynamics, forcing cartels underground. Calderon witnessed the brutal realities of cartel violence, including the abduction and murder of colleagues. He notes that while some cartels, like Sinaloa, have a community support base, the violence has escalated, with Tijuana recently regaining its status as one of the world's most dangerous cities. Calderon emphasizes the cyclical nature of political efforts to combat cartels, often resulting in a lack of effective long-term strategies. He discusses the complexities of corruption within law enforcement, estimating that about 30% of officers may be compromised. Calderon also highlights the evolving tactics of cartels, including the use of advanced technology like drones and submarines for drug trafficking. He expresses frustration over the romanticization of cartel figures in popular culture and the lack of recognition for the violence and suffering caused by their actions. He advocates for a more realistic understanding of the situation, emphasizing that the drug problem is not solely a Mexican issue but intertwined with U.S. demand and policies. The conversation touches on the potential for legalization of certain substances as a means to reduce cartel power, though Calderon remains skeptical about its effectiveness. He concludes by reflecting on the need for a comprehensive approach to address the deep-rooted issues of corruption, violence, and the socio-economic factors driving cartel influence.

Ed Calderon joins the Sean Ryan Show to discuss his experiences with Mexican drug cartels and the complexities of narco-trafficking. He highlights the rapid growth of the New Generation Cartel during the COVID pandemic, emphasizing that human trafficking has become a significant money-maker alongside drug trafficking. Calderon reflects on the brutal realities of cartel life, including the desensitization of operatives and the violent methods used to eliminate rivals. Calderon shares his background, having immigrated to the U.S. to escape cartel violence, and his subsequent career in law enforcement in Mexico, where he witnessed the escalating drug war firsthand. He describes the systemic corruption within Mexican politics and law enforcement, noting that cartels often operate with the complicity of local authorities. The conversation touches on the evolution of cartel operations, including their adaptation to law enforcement tactics and the increasing sophistication of their methods, such as using drones and advanced weaponry. The discussion also delves into the cultural aspects of cartel life, including the influence of religion and rituals among operatives. Calderon explains how some cartel members venerate figures like Santa Muerte, blending traditional beliefs with their criminal activities. He discusses the psychological toll of his experiences, including PTSD, and the lack of support systems for those who have served in law enforcement in Mexico. Calderon argues that the U.S. must recognize the regional nature of the cartel problem, emphasizing that it cannot be solved through military intervention alone. He advocates for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the demand for drugs in the U.S. and the systemic corruption in Mexico. He warns that without significant changes, the situation will continue to deteriorate, potentially leading to a crisis that could force U.S. intervention. The episode concludes with Calderon reflecting on the importance of sharing stories and experiences to foster understanding and healing, both for himself and for others affected by the violence and chaos of the drug war.

In this episode, Shawn Ryan interviews Luis Chaparro, who shares alarming insights about the Sinaloa cartel and the evolving drug crisis in the U.S. Chaparro reveals that a new drug, potentially a thousand times more potent than fentanyl, is being developed and introduced into the U.S. market. He discusses the role of Chinese chemists in aiding Mexican cartels to manufacture these drugs, emphasizing that the cartels are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their operations. Chaparro describes his recent experiences in Mexico, including visiting a fentanyl lab and a cartel training camp. He notes that many locals rely on cartel jobs due to the lack of economic opportunities in Mexico, with cartels providing better pay than traditional jobs. He explains that while cartels are involved in violent activities, they also engage in community support, such as distributing food baskets during holidays, which helps them gain local loyalty. The conversation shifts to the production of M30 pills, which are now primarily made from fentanyl rather than heroin. Chaparro highlights the scale of production, estimating that Culiacan alone could produce billions of pills annually. He discusses the dangers of these pills, which are often consumed unknowingly by users who believe they are taking heroin. Chaparro also touches on the cartel's influence on politics, noting how they are increasingly embedding themselves within government structures, effectively controlling local economies and politics. He warns that the situation is dire, with cartels operating as hybrid insurgencies rather than traditional drug trafficking organizations. The episode concludes with Chaparro expressing concern about the future, as the cartels continue to adapt and grow more powerful. He emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of the complexities surrounding drug trafficking and its impact on both Mexico and the U.S.

Joe Rogan welcomes Ed Calderon back to discuss the ongoing violence in Mexico, particularly involving cartels. They talk about a recent incident in Tamaulipas where a family was shot after running a cartel roadblock, highlighting the dangers of traveling in cartel-controlled areas. Calderon advises avoiding these areas and shares that cartel members often steal vehicles, especially four-wheel drives, for their operations. Calderon explains that the violence is escalating, with the Mormon community in Mexico feeling the impact, leading many to leave due to safety concerns. He discusses the complex relationship between the U.S. and Mexican governments regarding cartel designations and military actions, noting that the current Mexican president has a leftist agenda that complicates U.S. intervention. The conversation shifts to the financial operations of cartels, revealing that they have diversified their investments into legitimate businesses, real estate, and cryptocurrency, making it difficult to track their finances. Calderon mentions that some banks have been implicated in money laundering for cartels, raising concerns about the implications of designating cartels as terrorist organizations. Calderon argues that the cartels do exert political influence in Mexico, engaging in acts that could be classified as terrorism, such as political assassinations. He emphasizes that the U.S. and Mexico share a mutual problem regarding drug trafficking and that solutions must be approached collaboratively. They discuss the historical context of the drug war in Mexico, with Calderon recounting his experiences working with the Mexican government during the early days of the drug war. He notes that the militarization of the drug war has led to increased violence and corruption, with cartels often outmaneuvering law enforcement. Calderon expresses concern about the future, suggesting that the U.S. may eventually need to intervene militarily in Mexico due to the escalating violence and instability. He highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the drug problem, including economic inequality and corruption. The discussion touches on the cultural differences between Mexico and the U.S., with Calderon noting that mental health issues and the use of psychotropic drugs are less prevalent in Mexico compared to the U.S. He reflects on the challenges of immigration and the complexities of U.S.-Mexico relations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the realities on both sides of the border. Calderon concludes by stressing the interconnectedness of the U.S. and Mexico, suggesting that both nations will need to work together to address the challenges posed by cartels and drug trafficking. He encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with the issues affecting both countries.