Soft Killing a DTO

Soft Killing a DTO

While we hear much in the local media about the power of Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs), we hear very little about the regrets some of its members may have; this is one such article by Brownsville, Texas’s , “The Herald”.

One former Zeta under the pseudonym “Antonio” gives article readers and video watchers insights into the culture, modus operandi and life of a narco-insurgent.  He notes how one DTO uses imagery to infiltrate and subvert men’s souls into a life of bloodshed.

This video, and article, is a tool that should be used by Mexican and US law enforcement authorities to disrupt the image and narrative presented by DTOs by exposing the realities and costs of living that lifestyle.  It should be followed with a program to aid members wanting out with a transition program to lure them out from their former life of crime.  The video serves as a potential soft power tool; many more should be made and widely propagated.

“Antonio” now advises young people, the target recruits, to avoid shortcuts and misperceptions of the easy and glorious life by focusing on getting a good education and living close to God.   

Below are a number of interesting elements of the article:

Modus Operandi

·    Targeted killings involved the use of photos for identification, as details leading to the target.  If the wrong targets are killed, violators were reportedly punished by getting beat with a piece of wood.

·    Hugs were used to lure one to their execution.

·    The DTO maintained a variety of uniforms and vehicles to facilitate the hits.

·    It was customary to draw up pseudo courage before they would go on missions.  They would drink “Buchanan’s whiskey” and/or use some cocaine to get them through a mission and not feel guilt.

Life

·    “Antonio” left los Zetas in 2006 before things really began to get bad.  Before that he served as a policeman where he notes the police were heavily infiltrated and used to conduct or facilitate DTO operations.

·    He was once a purported senior ranking member of Los Zetas.  “Antonio” claims to have killed 32 people;  his past actions haunt him today.

·    He was initially lured into los Zetas in order to make more money to support his family, but later noted the alluring image of money, women and splendor were all a façade.  This image is reinforced via the use of “narcocorridos”, musical ballads.

  

Reality

·    If you don’t follow orders, you die.

·   You constantly fear for the safety and security of your family.

·    Deceased targets were later moved for dismemberment and/or burial.

·    “The way out of the organization included a number of tasks that the former gunman refuses to talk about. He did say he had to turn over all his properties, his cars, his money and his weapons.” Remember this was 2006.

·    “Antonio” continues to live in constant fear for his life.

Culture

Some DTO’s appear to have a spiritual aspect to them.   One noted academic noted the only way most members leave the organization is by death.  “Antonio” is appears was given a ceremonial death.

Take Away

Law Enforcement and Security Organizations need to prosecute an overt information awareness campaign highlighting dangers associated with supporting DTOs.  This is something the US Department of Homeland Security, US Department of State and Mexican authorities should target.  For only by disrupting the cartel’s psychological dominance over the population will Mexico have a chance to survive.  Until this dominance is disrupted or broken, Mexico DOES NOT HAVE A CHANCE to survive as a fully functioning state.

Source:  The Brownsville Herald. 2011.  Zeta recalls his life, warns against it. http://www.themonitor.com/articles/-47256--.html (accessed 20 February 2011).

English Version of Video


Spanish Version of Video