Drone Captures Images of Mexican Drug Cartel Camp

Members of a rival Mexican drug cartel were set up less than a half mile over Arizona's border with Mexico on Aug. 25, as captured in this private security drone footage. Courtesy private Arizona security company

This is the fifth and final article in a series on illegal drug and human smuggling along Arizona’s border with Mexico. (Read: parts one, two, three, and four)

ARIVACA, Ariz.—The first gunshots seemed to come down the mountain on the other side of the border fence with Mexico, just east of Arivaca, Arizona, where rival drug cartel factions battle to the death for supremacy.

Sam, my security guide, listened closely as more shots rang out. Sam is the pseudonym he uses to conceal his identity and that of his security company in Arizona. He’s been threatened by the Sinaloa Cartel for conducting border-watching activities. He now fears for the safety of his employees and family.