.png)
Concerns have emerged regarding the potential diversion of weapons supplied to Ukraine ending up in the hands of criminal organizations, including Mexican drug cartels. However, evidence supporting these claims remains inconclusive.
A widely circulated Mexican news segment depicted a Gulf Cartel member wielding what was initially believed to be a Javelin missile launcher, a weapon supplied to Ukraine by Western nations. Upon closer examination, experts identified the weapon as an AT4 rocket launcher, which is also part of Western military aid to Ukraine.
The AT4 is prevalent in Latin American military arsenals and is highly sought after on the black market. Despite this, there is no concrete evidence linking this specific weapon to Ukrainian supplies. Experts in arms trafficking assert that the likelihood of weapons intended for Ukraine being smuggled to Mexican cartels is minimal.
Falko Ernst of the International Crisis Group points out that, from a logistical standpoint, transporting arms from Ukraine to Mexico would be inefficient and costly. Additionally, Mexican criminal organizations primarily rely on small firearms, reducing the demand for heavier weaponry like rocket launchers.
While the possibility of weapons diversion exists in any conflict, current evidence does not substantiate claims that arms supplied to Ukraine are being trafficked to Mexican drug cartels. Ongoing monitoring and comprehensive investigations are essential to ensure that military aid reaches its intended recipients and does not contribute to global criminal activities.