Law Enforcement Officers Allegedly on Drug Cartel's Payroll

Ex-DEA agent approached several times by cartel

WESLACO- They are suppose to be protecting Valley borders, but a NEWSCHANNEL 5 investigation uncovers several members of Valley law enforcement could be working for the drug cartel.

We spoke to a self-proclaimed member of the Gulf Cartel. He asked we conceal his identity for his safety and ours, so we will refer to him as "Juan."

"Juan" tells NEWSCHANNEL 5 he allegedly has several dozen members of Valley law enforcement officers on his payroll. They include Border Patrol, Customs, DEA agents, and even local police and sheriff's deputies.

He tells us those willing to make dirty deals get paid thousands of dollars to smuggle drugs into the US.

He explains how he recruits them. He tells us he sometimes gets recommendations from agents already on his payroll, and other times he targets those he knows are in debt.

Former DEA agent Cele Castillo tells NEWSCHANNEL 5 he was approached several times by the cartels and even knew of a lot of federal agents on the cartel payroll.

Castillo tells us often times the corruption cases are covered up or downplayed because of the shame it brings to the agencies.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 contacted federal agencies, but they declined an interview. They did however assure us that every allegation of corruption is thoroughly investigated.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino tells NEWSCHANNEL 5 corruption does exist, but he and other members of law enforcement are doing everything they can to stop it.

It is unsure exactly how many law enforcement members are being accused of corruption, but sources tell us dozens are under suspicion.

Two have been arrested this year.