Reuters AlertNet Lite - Mexico to launch army offensive against drug gangs

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

Mexico to launch army offensive against drug gangs

11 Dec 2006 21:12:11 GMT
Source: Reuters

MEXICO CITY, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Mexico's new government, facing rampant drug trafficking and crime, ordered thousands of troops to the western state of Michoacan on Monday to fight drug cartels locked in a vicious turf war.

President Felipe Calderon's security cabinet said more than 5,000 soldiers and Marines would crack down on drug gangs in the state, a key air and sea transshipment point for U.S.-bound cocaine.

The cartels' battle in the once tranquil state has killed hundreds of people this year, leaving a trail of severed heads and corpses as they fight for control of lucrative production and coastal trafficking routes.

"We will establish control points on highways and secondary roads to limit drug trafficking, along with raids and arrests," said Interior Minister Francisco Ramirez Acuna.

Ramirez Acuna said the soldiers, accompanied by federal police, would also search for and destroy drug plantations in the state, famous for poppy and marijuana production.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• Mexico profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• Air Serv International Appoints new CEO
Air Serv International

• Diamond Industry, Government Still Not Preventing Import of Real "Blood Diamonds"
WV - USA

• McCullough of CWS Rallies People to the Cause at World AIDS Day Event
CWS

• AJWS President Ruth Messinger Issues Statement to Take Action in the Global Battle to Fight AIDS
AJWS - USA

• Community, church and advocacy leaders gather on world AIDS day to 'keep the promise'
Northwest Medical Teams International - USA

MORE >>

Latest news

• Mexico to launch army offensive against drug gangs

• Ending Arab-Israeli war would help in Iraq -Annan

• Two more reasons to exercise, studies find

• U.S. improves rate of blood pressure control-study

• U.S. may have N.Korea meetings before formal talks

MORE >>

Last updated:Mon Dec 11 21:14:01 2006