Officers in Mexico have destroyed 50 “monster vans” utilized by cartels of their gun battles.
The autos, that are additionally known as “Frankenstein vans” due to the modifications made to them – reminiscent of including gun turrets and armoured plates – have been seized by the safety forces.
They belonged to quite a lot of felony organisation, together with The Scorpions, a gaggle of hitmen working for the Gulf Cartel.
Footage launched by Mexico’s federal prosecutor’s workplace confirmed a crane toppling the heavy vans earlier than they have been crushed.
Among the vans have been painted in camouflage colors whereas others featured cartel markings.
As they aren’t simple to manoeuvre, these “monster vans” are most frequently deployed as a present of drive or when cartel members anticipate to be concerned in a gun battle.
Armourers within the pay of the cartels add bulletproof panels to the edges and generally battering rams to their fronts.
Bolstered turrets from the place machine weapons will be fired are additionally a typical function.
The vans’ home made armour has turn out to be extra subtle since they have been first noticed in 2010.
They’re significantly fashionable with the Jalisco New Era Cartel (CJNG) and the Gulf Cartel.
The 50 vans destroyed by the prosecutor’s workplace on Monday have been all seized within the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas.
