In recent interview on Vlad TV, former US Army Sergeant Nicholas Irving shed light on the covert collaboration between the US and Mexican governments in the takedown of notorious Mexican cartel leader El Mencho.
Irving confirmed that US intelligence played a crucial role, providing key information that led Mexican forces to El Mencho’s whereabouts. He also discussed the existence of highly classified operatives—often ex-military or agency personnel—who discreetly advise foreign counterparts during such operations. These operatives operate under plausible deniability, with the US government officially distancing itself from their actions if discovered. According to Irving, these “ghost operators” coordinate and support without direct engagement, enabling complex missions with minimal American footprints. His firsthand insights illuminate the shadowy partnerships and tactics underpinning international efforts against drug cartels—a reminder of the unseen layers in global security operations.
Irving emphasized the difficulties cartel leaders face despite their vast wealth, describing their lives as constantly on the run, fraught with danger from rival cartels, government forces, and U.S. agencies. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” he said, noting that enormous wealth comes with significant problems, including the constant need for secrecy and evading military operations. The interview sheds light on the precarious lifestyle of cartel heads and the pivotal role personal relationships can play in their downfall.
Irving argues that cartels will never disappear because drugs have always existed and people will always seek escapes. He also reveals the murky connections between cartels and corrupt officials, explaining how payoffs keep the system going. “They’re all in the same game together,” he says, highlighting the mercenary nature of those involved. According to Irving, this complex web ensures that the war on drugs will persist indefinitely.