Mexico’s Defense Secretary, Ricardo Trevilla, disclosed that the overwhelming majority of weapons seized from drug cartels in recent years originate from the United States. Speaking on February 11, 2026, Trevilla stated that approximately 78% of the 18,000 firearms confiscated since October 2024 were of U.S. origin, while the remaining 22% came from other unspecified countries, according to reports from El País and Xinhua.

The announcement underscores the persistent challenges Mexico faces in curbing the flow of firearms across its borders, with U.S.-made weapons constituting the primary armaments fueling cartel-related violence. Trevilla’s statement highlights the scale of international involvement in the illicit arms trade and the impact these weapons have on public safety and security operations within Mexico.

By providing detailed data on the sources of cartel firearms, the Defense Secretary emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating organized crime. Mexican authorities continue to implement strategies to intercept weapons, strengthen law enforcement efforts, and collaborate with international partners to prevent illegal arms trafficking. The disclosure serves both as a call for heightened vigilance and as a measure of transparency, offering insight into the origins of firearms that perpetuate criminal activity in the region.