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LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE 


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EL PASO INTELLIGENCE CENTER 

OFFICER SAFETY 

TACTICAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN EB11-49 

● 

Language of the Cartels: 

Narco Identifiers, Clothing Style, and Terminology 

● 

August 5, 2011 

This document is the property of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and is marked Law 

Enforcement Sensitive (LES). Further dissemination of this document is strictly forbidden except to other 

law enforcement agencies for criminal law enforcement purposes. Precautions should be taken to ensure 

this information is stored and/or destroyed in a manner that precludes unauthorized access. 

The El Paso Intelligence Center, Special Projects Unit, is redistributing a report originally produced by 

EPIC on January 28, 2011. This updated report includes a short introduction to Mexican drug trafficking 

organizations that may be operating in the United States by providing identifiers and current trends that can 

be used as a quick reference for the street officer. 

Mexico’s Drug Trafficking Organizations in the United States 

Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) constitute the greatest drug trafficking threat to the United 

States and are active in more cities throughout the country than other DTOs. Law enforcement reporting 

and case initiation data show that Mexican DTOs control most of the wholesale cocaine, heroin, and 

methamphetamine distribution in the United States as well as much of the marijuana distribution. 

Four principal Cartels control the vast majority of the drug trade: Sinaloa 

Cartel (aka Federation); Tijuana Cartel (aka Arellano-Felix Organization); 

Juárez Cartel (aka Carillo-Fuentes Organization); and the Gulf Cartel. 

Today, due to splintering from the Cartels, several smaller DTOs exist in 

Mexico. The four aforementioned groups are joined by La Familia 

Michoacana; Los Zetas; and the Beltran-Levya Organization, which are the 

most prominent of these smaller DTOs. 

EPIC 

Gang Intelligence

Logos, Emblems, and Symbols 


DTOs, especially the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel, are using commercial logos as indicators of their presence 

in the United States. These logos have been observed on motor vehicles and on persons, such as in the form 

of clothing and jewelry. If encountered, it may be a sign of a possible drug load, counter-surveillance for a 

load vehicle, or an indicator that the vehicle occupants may be armed. Officers should also recognize that 

these logos are becoming a fashion statement and even used by those mimicking the Cartel lifestyle. 

Therefore, the presence of symbols, logos and/or clothing should not be the only factor used to assess the 

occupants when performing vehicle stops. 

The Gulf Cartel or Cartel del Golfo was considered one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations 

when President Calderon took office in December 2006. Its reputation for violence came from Los Zetas, 

their enforcement arm. Gulf Cartel associates have previously used the MGM lion, as well as the initials 

―CDG,‖ as their logos and may now use the ―John Deere‖ logo. 

When the two groups split circa January 2010, Los Zetas changed their logo. The Zetas logo indicates a 

previous alliance to the Gulf Cartel; however, the Zetas are now also using the Ferrari logo. Law 

enforcement officers have encountered the Ferrari logo stickers on vehicles, carried as key chains, worn as 

jewelry, and placed on clothing such as leather jackets. 

Los Zetas Logo 

Ferrari Logo 

MGM Lion Logo 


Cartel Del Golfo (CDG) 

John Deere Logo


Two other logos possibly being used are the ―Hecho En Tamaulipas‖ logo and a ―bull.‖ 

A sticker bearing the ―Hecho En Tamaulipas‖ logo was observed on a pickup truck in 

Corpus Christi, Texas by Homeland Security Investigations. In the altered wing of the 

―Hecho En Tamaulipas‖ logo, was a ―Z‖, which would indicate Zeta affiliation. 

A symbol observed on the back of vehicles in the Laredo and Brownsville, Texas, 

areas is a ―bull,‖ which is believed to be associated with a criminal organization as-of- 

yet unidentified by U.S. law enforcement. According to a Source of Information (SOI) 

stopped at a Port of Entry (POE), the emblem represents an event in the town of San 

Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico called ―La Carrera de Toros‖ similar to the 

running of the bulls in Spain. Groups tried to revive the event in 2010. 

Sources: 

a. New Mexico Investigative Support Center, “Officer Awareness Report,” December 2010, tel. (575) 

647-6900 

b. CBP Laredo Field Office Hidalgo/RGC POE, Intelligence Officer Daniel A. Munoz, August 2010 

c. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Charles "Chip" Kerby: charles.kerby@dhs.gov 

Other Identifiers for DTO members 

The following references to common Mexican religious icons are also being used by DTO members. Traffic 

stops and drug search warrants often disclose religious icons. These icons are often carried by the suspect as 

a means to communicate with a deity or spirit for guidance and assistance or to express thoughts and 

emotions. Commonly encountered items include rosaries and bibles. 

Drug traffickers and other criminals also worship Santa Muerte (Saint of Death) and 

Jesus Malverde, a legendary bandit. Santa Muerte is a religious figure who receives 

petitions for love, luck, and protection. This saint is frequently dressed as the Grim 

Reaper with a scythe and scales. Grim Reaper statues are made in red, white, green 

and black – for love, luck, financial success and protection. Offerings to Santa 

Muerte include roses and tequila. Public shrines to Santa Muerte are adorned with red 

roses, cigars, and bottles of tequila. Throughout Mexico, and in parts of the United 

States (especially in Mexican immigrant communities), Santa Muerte prayer cards, 

medals, and candles are made and routinely sold to the public. 

Jesus Malverde, a reputed outlaw, is believed to have been a construction or railroad 

worker who was killed by authorities in 1909 in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. After his 

death, he allegedly earned a Robin Hood-type image. Smugglers bringing drugs across 

the border into the United States from Mexico carry icons and images of him and pray 

to him to deliver the drugs safely. But Malverde is more than just a ―narco saint.‖ He 

is honored by many across Mexico and in the United States as a protector and 

defender of the poor. To them Jesús Malverde is the ―Generous One,‖ or ―The Angel 

of the Poor.‖ 

Several other recognized Saints, such as St. Jude, who is the patron saint of desperate cases, especially 

health and family issues, is being used by narcotics traffickers as they view their work as difficult or a lost 

cause and ask for his intervention. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Another image associated with drug trafficking is Tweety Bird. Some drug traffickers 

place Tweety Bird stickers on their trucks or Tweety Bird air fresheners on their rear 

view mirror, as drug dealers see themselves as the invincible bird that never gets 

caught and a law enforcement officer as the cat. Other icons have also been observed 

as seen below. 

St. Jude, Santa Muerte, and Jesus Malverde 

Santitos de los Manosos de Sinaloa 

(Saints of the Sinaloa criminals, Joaquin Chapo Guzman-Loera in the background) 

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE


Sources: 

a. The “patron saint” of narcos - Carlos Ceresole, BBC Mundo, Mexico City; 

b. “Patron Saints of the Mexican Drug Underworld” - U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte; 

c. “Photos of skull tattoo with crossed M-16’s” - Cline, Jason W. clinej@co.comal.tx.us 

d. “Patron Saints of the Mexican Drug Underworld”: U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte. 

e. Photos from “Patron Saints of the Mexican Drug World 0910”: Major J.T. Strickland, Special Investigations- 

John.Strickland@gwinnettcounty.co 

f. EPIC Bulletin EB09-06 dated 02/05/2009 

Clothing 

Over the years, media reports and blogs have publicized ―dressing like a Narco,‖ which has quickly evolved 

into a modern style. The belief is that one has to have a lot of money or like to spend a lot of money 

because the clothing and jewelry Narcos wear are very expensive, and their style of dress represents money 

and success usually attained through narcotics trafficking. 

Historically, a traditional ―Narco‖ would sport a big sombrero and a decorative belt buckle. As for sneakers, 

Narcos purportedly believe they are for mules and low-level assassins. A real Narco wore cowboy boots and 

was seen more as a rancher or cowboy. A Narco’s boots were the most decorative part of his outfit. Exotic 

animal skins, fancy stitching and garish colors were common. Many Narcos wore excessive jewelry, highdollar 

cowboy boots and hats, and elaborate weapons in order to be noticed by their own people as well as 

strangers. This was 

likely a way of 

intimidating others and 

reinforcing their identity. 

The stereotype of the 

drug trafficker of years 

past with the sombrero, 

pointed boots, wide 

belts, open button-down 

shirts and with 

accessories of gold with 

diamonds on the chest 

and hands is rapidly 

becoming obsolete. 

Although there remain a 

few vestiges of DTOaffiliated 

clothing, most recently DTO suspects detained by federal authorities are seen wearing the brands 

in fashion that resemble American teen culture. 

Hollister, Abercrombie, and Ed Hardy are the most popular clothing brands for young DTO members. 

Designer clothing is representative of a higher status within the DTO. The narco-juniors (or young, rising 

operators) dress like businessmen, the older lieutenants are flashier, while the hit men typically dress like 

denizens of poorer neighborhoods. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE 5

MEXICO CITY -- "Narco Polo" is the new fashion 

trend sweeping lower-class neighborhoods in 

Mexico, inspired by seven high-ranking drug 

traffickers who were arrested over a three-month 

stretch wearing open-neck, short-sleeved 

jerseys with the familiar horseman-with-a-stick 

emblem. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/13/mexic 

os-drug-traffickers-ralph-lauren-stylepolo_n_875152.html 


Pictured on the left are cartel members Marcos Carmona 

Hernandez ―El Cabrito‖ (arrested 03/07/11), Edgar Valdez 

Villarreal ―La Barbie‖ (arrested 08/30/10), Jose Jorge 

Balderas Garza ―JJ‖ (arrested 01/18/11), and Benjamin 

Flores Reyes ―El Padrino‖ (arrested 03/06/11). All of these 

subjects were arrested within the past year, and all were 

wearing Ralph Lauren Polo shirts at the time of arrest. The 

quality of clothing publicly expresses their success and 

wealth. The Big Pony Polo brand shirt cost approximately 

$98 as of April 2011. This is a key indicator for officers on 

both sides of the border to use caution when dealing with 

subjects dressed in designer attire pending other indicators. 

(Source: Texas DPS, Intelligence and Counterterrorism 

Division, 04/12/11) 

It must be noted that many people in Mexico and the United States dress lavishly simply as a fashion 

statement, and many Narcos dress using the brands in fashion with American teens. 



Sources: 

a. Narco vs. Gangsta by Mike Santizo (El Migueloso) on MyspaceNew blog post·Rss; 

b. Weapons, gold and drugs: the narco museum-Carlos Ceresole, BBC Mundo, Mexico City; 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2008/11/081111_narcomuseum.shtml; 

c. “What is dressing like a Narco?” Published by Pure Writing on February 12, 2009 - 

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1444950/what_is_dressing_like_a_narco.html) 

d. Narco-Fashion posted August 6, 2009: http://ganchoblog.blogspot.com /2009/08/narco- fashion.html 

e. Anvem Buchonista Lifestyle 2010-http://www.anvemstore.com/mex/index.php/vatos/santa-muerte.html 

NARCO TERMS: 

Ajuste de cuentas: Settling a score, getting even or revenge. 

Aztecas: Also known as Los Aztecas or Barrio Azteca, a gang with strong ties to El Paso and Ciudad 

Juarez that is currently working for the Juarez Cartel and controlled by La Linea. 

Beltan Leyvas: A DTO associated with the Beltran-Leyva family currently headed by Hector Beltran- 

Leyva. Former members of the Sinaloa Cartel, who split from the Sinaloa Cartel after the arrest of 

Alfredo Beltran-Leyva. 

C.D.G.: Acronym for Cartel Del Golfo, which is Spanish for the Gulf Cartel. 

Chapos or Chaparrines: References to members of the Sinaloa Cartel working for Joaquin Guzman 

Loera, aka: Chapo. 

Charoliar: Pretending to belong to a cartel and having a lot of inside knowledge of cartel activities. 

Cortar cartuchos or Armatillar el arma: To lock and load weapon. Prepare your weapon to fire or 

ready to fire. 

Cuerno de chivo: Common term for AK-47, the preferred weapon of the drug cartels. Literally 

meaning ―goat horns,‖ termed as such due to the shape of the weapon with the curved magazine 

inserted. 



El Senor de los Cielos or Lord of the Skies: Reference to Amado Carrillo Fuentes who helped 

consolidate the Juarez Cartel. He died in 1997 undergoing plastic surgery in Mexico City and was 

succeeded by Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, who now heads the Juarez Cartel, aka: La Linea. 

Encobijado: A common way that hitmen or sicarios dispose of bodies — wrapped in a blanket, rug, or 

tarp and taped. 

Estacas: Literal translation is ―fence posts‖ or ―stakes‖. Armed cartel operatives are referred to as 

"soldiers." These soldiers are divided into "Estacas" and their role is to provide armed backup and 

covering firepower if shooting breaks out. 

Familia (La) also known as La Familia Michoacana or The Family: A DTO headed by Jose de Jesus 

Mendez Vargas, which is linked to the Zetas. A splinter group has split from La Familia and is currently 

known as the Knights Templar. Primarily distribute Methamphetamine. 

Foco: Crystal meth. 

Fuero (El): Jurisdiction, a right or a privilege and also a song or corrido called, ―El Fuero del Chapo 

Guzman.‖ 

Gente Nueva (La): Reference to Sinaloa Cartel members after the split of the Beltran-Leyva 

Organization from the Sinaloa Cartel. 

Guachicol: Oil product stolen from PEMEX and then sold back to businesses under duress. A practice 

common in Tamaulipas. 

Gulf Cartel: One of the four Cartels currently headed by Jorge Eduardo Costilla-Sanchez. 

Halcones (Los): In the border area, "halcones" are lookouts and intelligence collectors, who range from 

commandos to street level informants (falcons) who warn the drug cartels about intrusions from other 

DTO’s, police or military. 

Hormiga (El Correo de): An ant run. This is a common method of smuggling small amounts of 

narcotics into the U.S. using numerous smugglers primarily on foot. It is believed that the majority of 

heroin that is being moved by the BA is through individual body carriers, compared to transporting 

like ants (mueven como hormigas). Intelligence indicates that many BA members and family-based 

criminal associates are moving heroin into the U.S. daily, one small load at a time. 

Juarez Cartel: One of the four Cartels currently headed by Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, aka: VCF or La 

Linea. 

Knights Templar (Los Caballeros Templarios): A splinter DTO from the Familia Michoacana, which 

is comprised of three of the four original leaders after the death of Nazario Gomez Moreno. Currently 

aligned with the Gulf Cartel. Primarily distribute Methamphetamine. 

Levantón: Abduction. Term used to describe kidnapping. Most of the time, the person kidnapped or the 

"levantado" is never seen alive again. 

Linces (Los): Juarez Cartel enforcement group composed of former military (like the Zetas) who are 

well-trained, use military ordinances, uniforms and vehicles. The Linces’ job is to protect Juarez Cartel 

lieutenants and target other DTO leaders for execution 

Linea (La): Term used to refer to the Juarez Cartel. 

Matapolicia: Belgium-made FN 5.7 mm pistol that can penetrate a bulletproof vest. Police killers — 

ordnance used when attacking police or members of the military. 

Maña: Literal meaning is ―the vice‖ or ―the habit‖, but in a DTO context it refers to DTO members. 

The term is predominately used in the Tamaulipas, Mexico area. 

Mota: Marijuana. 

Narcobloqueo: A barricade in the streets with vehicles that are carjacked to delay the arrival of the 

police or military. 

Narcocorrido: A version of a corrido or Mexican folksong that deals with a drug theme. Some 

narcocorridos are commissioned by the drug dealers in order to "sing their praises", but others share 

much in common with morality plays because they sing about the negative consequences of drug 

dealing. (Source: ―Elijah Wald‖) 

Narcofosa: Narco cemetery; a clandestine gravesite. These have been found throughout Mexico. 



Narcomanta: A banner or a poster placed in a prominent location with a DTO-related message. 

Narcomenudistas: Retail-level DTO who also concentrate on moving smaller amounts of drugs into the 

U.S. The Barrio Azteca Gang is currently in charge of all the narcomenudeo for the Juarez Cartel. 

Pelones (Los) “the bald ones:‖ Named after the shaved heads sported by new recruits. Refers to hit 

men or sicarios that were originally assembled by the Beltran-Leyva brothers for the Sinaloa Federation. 

Also a term used for gang members from MS13 recruited by Chapo Guzman and/or other gang members 

in general. 

Perico: Literally ―parrot.‖ Refers to cocaine; a nickname based on the idea that it "goes up the nose". 

Pez gordo: Big fish, big boss. 

Pista (the game): Literal meaning ―the track‖ as in racing. Clandestine air strip. Also refers to the 

business at hand. 

Plaza: Territory or turf. A geographic area controlled by a specific DTO or a Cartel. 

Plata o Plomo: Silver or lead - means ―accept a bribe or face execution.‖ 

Polizetas: Policemen at the service of the narcos. Predominately used in the Nuevo Leon / Tamaulipas 

region. 

Pozolero (El): The Stew-maker. A person who disposes of executed bodies by dissolving them in acid. 

Rematar: Literally "to re-kill." Coupe de grace shot to ensure target is killed. 

Santa Muerte (La): The Saint of Death. 

Sicario: The word used to describe an ―assassin‖ or hitman for the cartels. 

Sinaloa Cartel: One of the four Cartels currently headed by Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka: Chapo 

Tiendita: The location where drugs are sold at the retail level. 

Tijuana Cartel: One of the four primary Cartels. Currently headed by Fernando Sanchez Arrellano of 

the Arrellano Felix Family. 

VCFO: Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Organization, aka: La Linea. Also known as the Juarez Cartel. 

Ventanas: Halcones / Lookouts for the DTOs informing on the movements of security forces and 

suspicious civilians in their neighborhoods. 

Wathivato (El): Mexican artist famous for narco images — especially iconic images of Jesus Malverde. 

Artist on BBC site Narco Mexico. 

Yesca: Marijuana 

Zetas (Los): Paramilitary force formed as an enforcement/protection arm for the Gulf Cartel and now 

independent. Originally composed of former Mexican and Guatemalan military soldiers, Special 

Forces, and highly-trained. Became the close protection detail for the Gulf Cartel kingpin leader at the 

time, Osiel Cardenas Guillen. Split from the Gulf Cartel, and currently headed by Miguel Angel Trevino 

Morales and Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano. 

Sources: 

a. Borderland Beat: Narco Terms- http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2009/04/narco-terms.html 

b. Baseline Assessments: Los Zetas, August 2010 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, OIOC, Washington, DC (202) 344- 

1150, www.cbp.gov 

Note: The information provided in this bulletin is a compilation of data and displays obtained from a 

variety of sources that focus on gathering intelligence on Transnational Gangs and Drug Trafficking 

Organizations and also from open-source reporting. Information contained in this bulletin should only be 

used as an indicator to possible drug smuggling activity. Although many of these indicators have been 

encountered during drug search warrants or highway traffic stops, they do not substantiate a drug 

smuggling operation. 



Questions or comments in reference to this report can be directed to the EPIC Research and Analysis 

Section, Special Projects Unit, Mary Lou Carrillo, Technical Information Specialist, (915) 760-2703, email: 

Maria L. Carrillo@usdoj.gov or Unit Chief Morgan Holley at 915-760-2024, email: 

Morgan.H.Holley@usdoj.gov. 

Arthur Doty, Director 

Approved By: L. D. Villalobos 

Chief, NER 

Prepared By: Mary Lou Carrillo 

Technical Information Specialist 

Special Projects Unit 

Mailing Address: 

El Paso Intelligence Center 

11339 SSG Sims Street 

El Paso, Texas 79908-8098 

Attn: NERS/Special Projects Unit

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