Pubdate: Tue, 20 Jan 2009
Source: El Paso Times (TX)
Copyright: 2009 El Paso Times
Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/formnewsroom
Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829
Author: Diana Washington Valdez

MEXICAN CARTELS RUN U.S. DRUG TRADE, REPORT SAYS

EL PASO - Mexican cartels have taken over most of the drug trade in 
the United States, and are working with 20 gangs, including the 
Barrio Aztecas, according to a just-released report by the National 
Drug Intelligence Center titled "National Drug Threat Assessment 2009."

"Mexican DTO's (drug trade organizations) represent the greatest 
organized crime threat to the United States ... the influence of 
Mexican DTO's over domestic drug-trafficking is unrivaled," said the 
report by the NDIC, an independent component of the U.S. Justice 
Department, with offices in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

It also said the cartels control drug distribution in most U.S. 
cities (230 cities have reported a presence of the Mexican drug 
groups), and "are gaining strength in markets that they do not yet control."

Mexican, Asian, Colombian, Dominican and Colombian drug organizations 
work with at least 28 gangs in the United States, which insulate the 
drug cartel cells from law enforcement and act as retail distributors 
and enforcers. The gangs listed include the Barrio Azteca, Latin 
Kings, Maras (MS-13), Hells Angels, Mexican Mafia, Bloods, Crips and others.

Sandalio "Sandy" Gonzalez, former chief of the Drug Enforcement 
Administration in El Paso, said, "It's difficult to rein in the 
Mexican cartels because their bosses operate on the other side of the border.

The same holds true of the Colombian drug dealers. We're lucky if we 
catch some mid-level members. To make a dent, we need to have a true 
partnership with Mexican authorities, one in which we can trust each other."

The NDIC report released Sunday also said El Paso has reported the 
presence of members of Colombian and Dominican Republic drug 
organizations. Mexican cartels operate in El Paso, Las Cruces, 
Deming, Columbus and Albuquerque, as well.

An earlier NDIC report dated June 2008 said Mexican drug cartels are 
using Indian reservations in the United States to recruit workers, 
and use their lands to transport drugs. The report did not name the 
tribes involved.

Spanish-language television networks are feeding a growing interest 
in drug cartels with series like "El Cartel de los Sapos," which airs 
locally each week night at 9:30 p.m. on Telemundo (cable channel 11), 
and "El Pantera," a Televisa-released series, which is set to begin 
its new season later this month.

"El Cartel de los Sapos" focuses on Colombian drug dealers and has 
become an international hit, while "El Pantera," which attracts 
viewers in the United States, revolves around a hero who fights a 
powerful Mexican drug lord and corrupt police and officials.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom