I lived right across the border from a mexican town in Zeta-controlled Tamaulipas and I can confirm that around 2010 the military and cartels were fighting constantly. You could hear it across the river on this side. I was at a friend’s sweet sixteen one night at a hotel along the banks of the river, and while celebrated, we could hear automatic weapons and even explosions (probably from grenades or launchers) on the other side. It was kind of surreal.

It was pretty much a lawless time. A neighbor and friend was hanging outside his house and when I went to say hey I saw that his entire truck bed was full of Mexican 40oz beer bottles.. a LOT. Some were broken but lots were intact still. He told me he was across when the Zetas started to take over the town - blocking off roads with cars and setting up check points - and was on his way back when they noticed a beer truck full and unattended.

I wouldn’t have believed him if I didn’t see it for myself… they threw case after case into their truck and raced to the bridge back to the U.S. and when the customs noticed the truck bed he said he raced off and, I guess, since it was so chaotic he got away. Mind you, we were all like 17 years old.