Bunker, Robert J.

Kuhn, David A.

Keck Graduate Institute

Claremont Colleges
Scholarship @ Claremont
CGU Faculty Publications and Research CGU Faculty Scholarship
1-1-2011
Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 4: Cartel Military
Weapons Cache Discovered Near Fronton, Texas.
David A. Kuhn
Robert J. Bunker
Claremont Graduate University
This Blog is brought to you for free and open access by the CGU Faculty Scholarship at Scholarship @ Claremont. It has been accepted for inclusion in
CGU Faculty Publications and Research by an authorized administrator of Scholarship @ Claremont. For more information, please contact
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Recommended Citation
Kuhn, David A. and Robert J. Bunker. "Mexican Cartel Tactical Notes: No 4. Cartel Military Weapons Cache Discovered Near
Fronton, Texas.” Small Wars Journal. 15 Oct. 2011: 1-3. Web.
Mexican Cartel Tactical Note # 4
By David Kuhn and Robert Bunker
SWJ Blog Post | Oct 15 2011 - 4:51pm
Mexican Cartel Tactical Notes: No 4. Cartel Military Weapons Cache Discovered Near Fronton, 
Texas.
Who: US Border Patrol Agents find a Mexican cartel (assumed) weapons cache and turn it over to the 
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF) for further investigation. Border Patrol 
Chief Rosendo Hinojosa made comments to the media pertaining to the incident.
What: Black bag found in the brush containing:
             6 Assault Rifles [See Photo]
             1 Rocket Launcher [See Photo]
             1 Grenade Launcher
             3 Packages of C-4 Explosives (Per News Video)
             1 Lower Receiver for an Assault Rifle
             20 Magazines
When:  Tuesday, 13 September 2011.
Where:  Near Fronton, Texas, North of the Rio Grande River on US soil. Mexican city reference: 
Roughly between Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa.
Why:  The weapons cache was either left in the brush near the Rio Grande for pick up or abandoned due 
to US LE presence in the vicinity. One assumption is that the weapons were meant for a cartel kill-
team/enforcers operating in the region; another is that they were on their way to Mexico.
Photo Forensics:
Photo: Courtesy ofUS Customs and Border Protection(For Public Release)
General ID information only due to the angle and resolution of the picture.
Top Weapon: An enhancement of the sling ring and end cap shows that it is an M-72 Light Anti-tank 
Weapon (LAW), possibly an A2 model.
2nd Weapon: Either an AR-15 or an M-16 (selector on opposite side) that appears to be a parts weapon. 
It is not in fireable condition as the recoil spring and recoil spring housing are missing along with the 
stock.
3rd Weapon: Appears in all respects to be an AR-10 (7.62mm x 51mm).  The verified size of the magazine 
well is consistent with that of a 7.62mm magazine and the slight forward cant of the well is germane to the 
AR-10 only.  Additionally, the enlarged head on the take-down pin on the receiver of this Armalite is not 
common to other AR models, but does occur on the AR-10; and the size and format of the brass deflector 
on this weapon only occurs on the AR-10. There is also no forward assist on the receiver. Production time 
period and exact model variance from the angle of view is uncertain.
4th Weapon: An AK action in a polymer stock; possibly a knock-off that was originally semi-auto 
possibly converted to full.
5th Weapon: Weapon with the well-worn receiver appears to be a select-fire M-4 carbine.
6th Weapon: appears to be a Model SAR-4800 Sporter Rifle in 7.62 x 51mm.  The pistol grip on the stock 
has been trimmed way down to fit a smaller hand.  The barrel has also been cut off just ahead of the gas 
piston adjustment for maneuverability.
7th Weapon (Partial): No ID due to partial image.
Tactical Analysis: Mexican cartel weapon caches containing military grade weaponry have been 
regularly found throughout Mexico and even close to the US-Mexican border. This specific cache was 
found on US soil and contained a rocket launcher (M72 LAW), a grenade launcher (type not identified), 
and C-4 explosives in addition to assault rifles. Of significance is that an earlier weapons cache was also 
discovered in this same area by US Border Patrol personnel (assigned to the Rio Grande City Station) on 
Wednesday 16 March 2011. During that incident a suspicious pickup truck was viewed and when 
personnel searched the area where it had stopped they found a large duffle bag hidden in the brush. The 
bag contained:
             8 AK-47 Assault Rifles
             2 AR-15 Assault Rifles
             350 Rounds of Ammo (Varying calibers)
 2 Grenades (Type not identified; blown in place by local bomb squad)
 1 40mm Grenade Launcher [See Photo; appears to be a M-203 variant]
These weapons were also turned over to the BATF for further investigation.
Photo: Courtesy ofUS Customs and Border Protection(For Public Release)
Initial analysis suggests that cartel operatives for whatever reason, likely Zetas or Gulf cartel personnel 
given the location of the find, are now bringing heavier infantry weapons into the United States. That 
analysis, however, is in variance with earlier statements made by Chief Hinojosa who said the weapons in 
the March seizure were being smuggled into Mexico. In that case military grade weapons such as the 
40mm Grenade Launcher (presumably stolen and then resold) are loose in the US and are being sent to 
Mexico. In either scenario the rocket and grenade launcher seized in September 2011 (and the grenade 
launcher seized earlier) pose a significant US officer safety threat as does the C-4 which can be utilized in 
an improvised explosive device (IED) role.  
Significance: Cartel Weaponry; Officer Safety Issues
Source(s):
Mark Nino, Border Patrol Agents Seize Weapon Cache. KVEO 23- Rio Grande Valley. 14 September 
2011, http://www.kveo.com/news/border-patrol-agents-seize-weapon-cache. [See Video]
Ildefonso Ortiz, Border Patrol finds rocket launcher, grenade launcher, explosives near Rio Grande. 
The Monitor. 14 September 2011, http://www.themonitor.com/news/launcher-54726-grande-grenade.html.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol, CBP Public Affairs, Agents Find Cache of Weapons near Rio Grande. 
17 March 2011, 
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/march_2011/03172011_3.xml.
South Texas Today, BP Agents Find Weapons, Ammunition and Grenade. 17 March 2011, 
http://mannydelarosa40.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/bp-agents-find-weapons-ammunition-and-
grenade/.
About the Authors
David Kuhn
David A. Kuhn provides specialized law enforcement and first responder training 
throughout the United States, focusing on terrorism incident response and threat 
mitigation. His is a recognized authority in the area of military standoff weapons, 
MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems), and forensic analysis of areas 
where such weapons or explosives have been deployed.
Robert Bunker
Dr. Robert J. Bunker holds degrees in political science, government, behavioral 
science, social science, anthropology-geography, and history. Training taken 
includes that provided by DHS, FLETC, DIA, Cal DOJ, Cal POST, LA JRIC, 
NTOA, and private security entities in counter-terrorism, counter-surveillance, 
incident-response, force protection, and intelligence. Dr. Bunker has been involved 
in red teaming and counter-terrorism exercises and has provided operations support 
within Los Angeles County.
Available online at :http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/mexican-cartel-tactical-note-4
Links:
{1} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/david-kuhn
{2} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/robert-bunker
{3} http://www.kveo.com/news/border-patrol-agents-seize-weapon-cache
{4} http://mannydelarosa40.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/bp-agents-find-weapons-ammunition-and-
grenade/
{5} http://smallwarsjournal.com/comment/reply/11615#comment-form
Copyright ' 2013, Small Wars Foundation.
Select uses allowed by Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license per our Terms of Use.
Please help us support the Small Wars Community.


English

Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 4: Cartel Military Weapons Cache Discovered Near Fronton, Texas.

Scholarship@Claremont

Claremont CollegesScholarship @ ClaremontCGU Faculty Publications and Research CGU Faculty Scholarship1-1-2011Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 4: Cartel MilitaryWeapons Cache Discovered Near Fronton, Texas.David A. KuhnRobert J. BunkerClaremont Graduate UniversityThis Blog is brought to you for free and open access by the CGU Faculty Scholarship at Scholarship @ Claremont. It has been accepted for inclusion inCGU Faculty Publications and Research by an authorized administrator of Scholarship @ Claremont. For more information, please contactscholarship@cuc.claremont.edu.Recommended CitationKuhn, David A. and Robert J. Bunker. "Mexican Cartel Tactical Notes: No 4. Cartel Military Weapons Cache Discovered NearFronton, Texas.” Small Wars Journal. 15 Oct. 2011: 1-3. Web.Mexican Cartel Tactical Note # 4By David Kuhn and Robert BunkerSWJ Blog Post | Oct 15 2011 - 4:51pmMexican Cartel Tactical Notes: No 4. Cartel Military Weapons Cache Discovered Near Fronton, Texas.Who: US Border Patrol Agents find a Mexican cartel (assumed) weapons cache and turn it over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF) for further investigation. Border Patrol Chief Rosendo Hinojosa made comments to the media pertaining to the incident.What: Black bag found in the brush containing:             6 Assault Rifles [See Photo]             1 Rocket Launcher [See Photo]             1 Grenade Launcher             3 Packages of C-4 Explosives (Per News Video)             1 Lower Receiver for an Assault Rifle             20 MagazinesWhen:  Tuesday, 13 September 2011.Where:  Near Fronton, Texas, North of the Rio Grande River on US soil. Mexican city reference: Roughly between Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa.Why:  The weapons cache was either left in the brush near the Rio Grande for pick up or abandoned due to US LE presence in the vicinity. One assumption is that the weapons were meant for a cartel kill-team/enforcers operating in the region; another is that they were on their way to Mexico.Photo Forensics:Photo: Courtesy ofUS Customs and Border Protection(For Public Release)General ID information only due to the angle and resolution of the picture.Top Weapon: An enhancement of the sling ring and end cap shows that it is an M-72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW), possibly an A2 model.2nd Weapon: Either an AR-15 or an M-16 (selector on opposite side) that appears to be a parts weapon. It is not in fireable condition as the recoil spring and recoil spring housing are missing along with the stock.3rd Weapon: Appears in all respects to be an AR-10 (7.62mm x 51mm).  The verified size of the magazine well is consistent with that of a 7.62mm magazine and the slight forward cant of the well is germane to the AR-10 only.  Additionally, the enlarged head on the take-down pin on the receiver of this Armalite is not common to other AR models, but does occur on the AR-10; and the size and format of the brass deflector on this weapon only occurs on the AR-10. There is also no forward assist on the receiver. Production time period and exact model variance from the angle of view is uncertain.4th Weapon: An AK action in a polymer stock; possibly a knock-off that was originally semi-auto possibly converted to full.5th Weapon: Weapon with the well-worn receiver appears to be a select-fire M-4 carbine.6th Weapon: appears to be a Model SAR-4800 Sporter Rifle in 7.62 x 51mm.  The pistol grip on the stock has been trimmed way down to fit a smaller hand.  The barrel has also been cut off just ahead of the gas piston adjustment for maneuverability.7th Weapon (Partial): No ID due to partial image.Tactical Analysis: Mexican cartel weapon caches containing military grade weaponry have been regularly found throughout Mexico and even close to the US-Mexican border. This specific cache was found on US soil and contained a rocket launcher (M72 LAW), a grenade launcher (type not identified), and C-4 explosives in addition to assault rifles. Of significance is that an earlier weapons cache was also discovered in this same area by US Border Patrol personnel (assigned to the Rio Grande City Station) on Wednesday 16 March 2011. During that incident a suspicious pickup truck was viewed and when personnel searched the area where it had stopped they found a large duffle bag hidden in the brush. The bag contained:             8 AK-47 Assault Rifles             2 AR-15 Assault Rifles             350 Rounds of Ammo (Varying calibers) 2 Grenades (Type not identified; blown in place by local bomb squad) 1 40mm Grenade Launcher [See Photo; appears to be a M-203 variant]These weapons were also turned over to the BATF for further investigation.Photo: Courtesy ofUS Customs and Border Protection(For Public Release)Initial analysis suggests that cartel operatives for whatever reason, likely Zetas or Gulf cartel personnel given the location of the find, are now bringing heavier infantry weapons into the United States. That analysis, however, is in variance with earlier statements made by Chief Hinojosa who said the weapons in the March seizure were being smuggled into Mexico. In that case military grade weapons such as the 40mm Grenade Launcher (presumably stolen and then resold) are loose in the US and are being sent to Mexico. In either scenario the rocket and grenade launcher seized in September 2011 (and the grenade launcher seized earlier) pose a significant US officer safety threat as does the C-4 which can be utilized in an improvised explosive device (IED) role.  Significance: Cartel Weaponry; Officer Safety IssuesSource(s):Mark Nino, Border Patrol Agents Seize Weapon Cache. KVEO 23- Rio Grande Valley. 14 September 2011, http://www.kveo.com/news/border-patrol-agents-seize-weapon-cache. [See Video]Ildefonso Ortiz, Border Patrol finds rocket launcher, grenade launcher, explosives near Rio Grande. The Monitor. 14 September 2011, http://www.themonitor.com/news/launcher-54726-grande-grenade.html.Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol, CBP Public Affairs, Agents Find Cache of Weapons near Rio Grande. 17 March 2011, http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/march_2011/03172011_3.xml.South Texas Today, BP Agents Find Weapons, Ammunition and Grenade. 17 March 2011, http://mannydelarosa40.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/bp-agents-find-weapons-ammunition-and-grenade/.About the AuthorsDavid KuhnDavid A. Kuhn provides specialized law enforcement and first responder training throughout the United States, focusing on terrorism incident response and threat mitigation. His is a recognized authority in the area of military standoff weapons, MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems), and forensic analysis of areas where such weapons or explosives have been deployed.Robert BunkerDr. Robert J. Bunker holds degrees in political science, government, behavioral science, social science, anthropology-geography, and history. Training taken includes that provided by DHS, FLETC, DIA, Cal DOJ, Cal POST, LA JRIC, NTOA, and private security entities in counter-terrorism, counter-surveillance, incident-response, force protection, and intelligence. Dr. Bunker has been involved in red teaming and counter-terrorism exercises and has provided operations support within Los Angeles County.Available online at :http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/mexican-cartel-tactical-note-4Links:{1} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/david-kuhn{2} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/robert-bunker{3} http://www.kveo.com/news/border-patrol-agents-seize-weapon-cache{4} http://mannydelarosa40.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/bp-agents-find-weapons-ammunition-and-grenade/{5} http://smallwarsjournal.com/comment/reply/11615#comment-formCopyright ' 2013, Small Wars Foundation.Select uses allowed by Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license per our Terms of Use.Please help us support the Small Wars Community.

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Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 4: Cartel Military Weapons Cache Discovered Near Fronton, Texas.

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