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Artwork for Borderland: Narcosis

Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

IRONCLAD
Sinaloa Cartel
Drug Trafficking
Fentanyl
Human Trafficking
Venezuela
Corruption
Cartels
Organized Crime
CJNG
Drug Cartels
Mexico
Border Patrol
Tren De Aragua
Jalisco New Generation Cartel
United States
Fentanyl Crisis
China
Border Crisis
Mexican Cartels
Border Security

New Episodes Every Monday. An unfiltered look at real stories from America's Southern Border. Each week, special operations combat veteran, actor, writer, and veteran BORSTAR Agent Vincent “Rocco” Vargas sits down with guests to discuss the ruthless forces driving mass migration—organized crime. This season, Borderland: Narcosis takes an unfiltered look at the criminal networks fueling the crisis,... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes147Founded3 years ago
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Artwork for Borderland: Narcosis

Latest Episodes

Today's guest is Kim Bolan. Kim is an award-winning investigative reporter for the Vancouver Sun, where she has covered gangs and organized crime for over four decades, including the Air India bombing, the Robert Pickton case, and the Surrey Six gang... more

Vince “Rocco” Vargas sits down with Katarina Szulc to discuss her recent investigation in Tlaxcala, Mexico (which you can watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rXThHW2xeg ), an uptick in violence in Zacatecas, cartels operating Canada and more... more

Today's guest is Sean Williams. Sean is an investigative report whose work has apeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, Rolling Stone, GQ, The Daily Beast, The New Republic, Wired, The Economist, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated and many more. ... more

Today’s guest is Chris Dalby. He is a journalist and an expert on organized crime and Mexican drug cartels. Chris is the author of World of Crime's Guides to Organized Crime and CJNG: A Quick Guide to Mexico's Deadliest Cartel. He’s also the the dire... more

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Recent Guests

Kim Bolan
Award-winning journalist covering gangs and organized crime in Canada
Vancouver Sun
Episode: Canada's Cartel Crisis: Assassinations, Extortion & the Bishnoi Gang's Reach (with Kim Bolan)
Chris Dalby
Experienced journalist focused on organized crime; runs World of Crime publishing
World of Crime
Episode: How Mexico's Most Dangerous Cartel Quietly Took Over Europe: The CJNG Terrifying Expansion
Michael Gannon
Former DEA agent with 25 years of experience, Indianapolis and Miami connections
DEA
Episode: The Midwest Cartels: Former DEA Agent EXPOSES Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG Hubs in Indiana and Chicago
Joe Kent
Former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center; career military officer and CIA veteran
Former National Counterterrorism Center
Episode: Joe Kent: Terror Suspects Have Infiltrated the Interior of the U.S
John Sullivan
Law-enforcement professional and analyst focusing on transnational organized crime
Episode: INSIDE the Secret Cartel Network: The Biggest Threat in the Western Hemisphere
Ali Hopper
Founder/Lead Advocate at GUARD Against Trafficking
GUARD Against Trafficking
Episode: Inside Secret CJNG Cartel Human Trafficking Networks Operating in the U.S.
David Holthouse
Investigative journalist known for gonzo reporting and documentary work on organized crime
Independent journalist / documentary filmmaker
Episode: Cartel Insider Exposes the Russian Mob, CJNG & Hells Angels Operating as One Network Inside America
Lydia Cacho
Mexican journalist and human rights activist specializing in organized crime and violence against women
Investigative journalist; author
Episode: Beyond Drug Trafficking: 4 Dark Turns in the Violent Evolution of Mexican Drug Cartels
Oz Woloshen
Investigation journalist; host of Forgotten Women of Juarez
Journalist
Episode: Beyond Drug Trafficking: 4 Dark Turns in the Violent Evolution of Mexican Drug Cartels

Host

Vincent Vargas
Host of Borderland Narcosis; primary on-screen host and operator-backed expert on border crime and security.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 349 ratings
  • Love it

    I thoroughly enjoy how calm and collected they are unveiling some the most interesting and also terrible situations that no other platform a.k.a. the media will ever let you hear. I’m so glad I added them to my queue.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jhillis22
    United States2 months ago
  • Recent Venezuela pod

    I have been listening to the podcast a while now. The Venezuela pod was the best I’ve heard. The information given was very thought provoking in many ways, gave explanation I have not known. Will have to follow Nick as it seems his knowledge is incredible, too bad Americans can’t get this information from our government. Maybe if the gov’t told us more about why Trump is hell bent on destroying the Venezuelan ships, the countries that are imbedded in Venezuela it would ease a bit of the division... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KRA 71
    United States9 months ago
  • Podcast

    Would love to hear Vince on SRS and vice versa

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MPP-713
    United Statesa year ago
  • Weak Audio

    Another podcaster who ruins the show with low audio levels. Boost your audio in post before uploading. This is inexcusable in 2025.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Saving Viking
    United Statesa year ago
  • Fantastic!

    It is great to find someone that wants to inform the public about what is going on. Very great podcasts!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NQMAC
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some praise balanced, multi-perspective discussions while others criticize uneven follow-up questions.
Audiences often cite high level of expertise among guests and engaging storytelling.
Listeners praise in-depth investigations and firsthand reporting from crime and border topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#224
Ireland/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Midwest Cartels: Former DEA Agent EXPOSES Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG Hubs in Indiana and Chicago
Q: How did undercover work shape your view of cartel operations and the risks involved?
Undercover work required a high tolerance for danger and a deep sense of calm under pressure; agents build rapport and leverage flexibility, often turning delicate negotiations into opportunities for evidence while maintaining personal safety.
Canada's Secret Cartel Crisis: Inside the Underground Narco Trucking Network
Q: How did long-haul trucking become involved in these transnational crime networks?
Truckers with Canadian Indian transnational crime links are used to move cartel drugs from the US into Canada and vice versa, leveraging a brokerage-like system that can conceal loads within legitimate freight, enabling cross-border trafficking and money laundering.
Joe Kent: Terror Suspects Have Infiltrated the Interior of the U.S
Q: Given the current struggles with deportations and legal status, how does NCTC interact with ICE and local enforcement when potential terrorists are located inside the U.S.?
NCTC flags individuals of concern and supports ICE with intel and network analysis, but deportation decisions ultimately hinge on U.S. immigration law and court processes, which can complicate immediate removals despite having solid intelligence.
Cartel Insider Exposes the Russian Mob, CJNG & Hells Angels Operating as One Network Inside America
Q: If they were interested in organized crime right now, where would you send a young journalist first?
Presidio, Texas. It's a small border town that offers a clear lens on federal enforcement challenges, cross-border activity, and the way criminal networks operate near the Rio Grande; it's a practical, high-value starting point for sourcing.
Cartel Insider Exposes the Russian Mob, CJNG & Hells Angels Operating as One Network Inside America
Q: What was your goal when originally going out there to get some reporting done?
I went with the mindset of reporting honestly as a journalist—spending time with communities, building rapport, and letting the relationships develop before asking pointed questions. It's about being present, earning trust, and letting the story reveal itself rather than forcing it.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Borderland: Narcosis

What is Borderland: Narcosis about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hard-hitting, issue-driven show that centers on real-world crime, border security, and transnational networks. Across recent episodes, listeners are treated to in-depth explorations of human trafficking, cartel power, money laundering, and cross-border crime, often through tightly reported investigations and first-hand field accounts from journalists, former law-enforcement officials, and security professionals. The format blends on-the-ground storytelling with analytical context, highlighting how corruption, governance gaps, and evolving criminal ecosystems shape policy and public safety. A notable strength is its willingness to feature diverse perspectives—from former government operators to investigative reporters—creating a multi-face... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Borderland: Narcosis?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Borderland: Narcosis:

1. Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc
2. Change Agents with Andy Stumpf
3. The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell
4. Mike Drop
5. Cleared Hot - Powered By BRCC

How many episodes of Borderland: Narcosis are there?

Borderland: Narcosis launched 3 years ago and published 147 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Borderland: Narcosis?

Recent guests on Borderland: Narcosis include:

1. Kim Bolan
2. Chris Dalby
3. Michael Gannon
4. Joe Kent
5. John Sullivan
6. Ali Hopper
7. David Holthouse
8. Lydia Cacho

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