HIDALGO - A new partnership between the U.S. and Mexico is aimed at stopping gun smuggling.

The new effort will focus on five hot spots, including the Rio Grande Valley.

Mexican officials say the illegal flow of weapons into their country is fueling on-going violence with criminal organizations.

They hope the new partnership can help take the power from the cartels.

The Mexican secretary of defense says 70% of the weapons that enter Mexico come from the United States; of hat 41% come through Texas.

On Monday, Mexican and U.S. authorities announced the start of Operation Frozen.

Authorities will use detection technology in five main areas, including Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo in an effort to stop any weapons from crossing the border.

For more information watch the video above.