Reuters AlertNet Lite - Six police shot dead in drug-war torn Mexican state

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Six police shot dead in drug-war torn Mexican state

14 Nov 2006 19:39:50 GMT
Source: Reuters

MEXICO CITY, Nov 14 (Reuters) - A search team found the bullet-riddled bodies of six policemen on Tuesday in a remote area of the Mexican state of Michoacan, where drug gangs are fighting a gory turf war.

A spokeswoman for the state prosecutor said the six men, who included a local police commander, were ambushed on Monday night while on patrol in the state's Sierra Madre hill range, where farmers grow opium poppies and marijuana.

The victims appeared to have been shot with high-caliber weapons. Two had been shot more than once.

A vicious war between drug gangs has exploded in Michoacan this year. Suspected gang members have beheaded at least 15 people in the state and killed 30 police since January.

Drug violence has surged in western Mexican states like Michoacan and Guerrero recently, despite efforts by the government of President Vicente Fox to break the gangs.

Dozens of police also have been killed in the north of the country and in the beach resort city of Acapulco as traffickers fight for control of lucrative drug routes.

Every year, huge quantities of cocaine, cannabis and amphetamines cross the Mexican border into the United States, the world's top drug consumer.

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Last updated:Tue Nov 14 19:40:42 2006