Mexican Cartels Using US Military Ammunition to Overwhelm Police Forces
Fifty-caliber rounds from Army-owned Missouri plant smuggled across border and used in attacks on Mexican civilians and law enforcement
The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri is one of the largest small-arms ammunition factories in the world, producing billions of rounds annually for US military use. But a portion of that output enters the commercial market, where it becomes virtually impossible to track.
From there, the ammunition flows south. Investigators have documented .50-caliber rounds—capable of penetrating armored vehicles and designed for military machine guns—used by cartels in attacks on Mexican police and civilians.
The firepower imbalance has deadly consequences. Mexican law enforcement typically carry sidearms and light rifles. Against .50-caliber weapons, their body armor is useless and their vehicles offer no protection.
The irony is brutal: American military production, intended to defend US interests, has become a supply chain for organizations the US government designates as terrorist threats. The same weapons designed to protect are now being used against allies.
Analysis
Why This Matters
The US supplies most of the firearms used by Mexican cartels. This investigation demonstrates that military-grade ammunition is part of that flow, not just commercial weapons.
Background
Efforts to stop gun trafficking to Mexico have failed for decades. The ATF Fast and Furious scandal highlighted how weapons reach cartels. Ammunition has received less attention.
Key Perspectives
Gun rights advocates argue restricting commercial sales punishes legal buyers. Border security hawks say this proves the need for tighter controls. Mexican officials have long blamed US weapons for their violence crisis.
What to Watch
Whether this reporting prompts new regulations on military ammunition sales, and how the Trump administration responds given its focus on cartels.