Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX) Copyright: 2006 San Antonio Express-News Contact: http://www.mysanantonio.com/expressnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/384 AS DRUG VIOLENCE RISES, NUEVO LAREDO DECLINES Mexico's failure to clamp down on the drug wars in Nuevo Laredo is taking a growing toll on the border city's economy. The Express-News reported this week that many businesses have closed in Nuevo Laredo, and some are moving across the border to the relative security of Laredo. "The evidence is everywhere -- in boarded up office spaces and 'For Rent' signs on the doors of once-popular night clubs such as Senor Frogs," reported Mariano Castillo of the Express-News Border Bureau. At least 40 Nuevo Laredo firms have closed, according to Nuevo Laredo Chamber of Commerce officials, and unofficial estimates place the number in excess of 100, Castillo reported. The development is truly tragic for the city south of the border. As Laredo booms, its sister city is withering. The trend is sending Nuevo Laredo's fortunes reeling backward at a time when the city should be enjoying the fruits of NAFTA and its proximity to Texas' red-hot economy. Nuevo Laredo desperately needs the drug war to end, and federal officials must not allow the situation to deteriorate any further. The corrosive effect of narco-violence is indisputable, and if Mexico is to reach its full economic potential, the drug gangs must be crushed. A prolonged economic downturn in the border town will exacerbate the problem. The situation should be a top priority for law enforcement, and U.S. authorities should provide all the help they can. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath