Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

In Mexico's Drug War, US Guns Fire Shots

Lax gun control and leaky border towns allow a brisk barter trade

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2008 4:31 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – When Mexican authorities seize a cache of weapons from a drug-cartel hitman, their first call is long distance: to the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Because, Portfolio reports, chances are any gun used in Mexico’s noxious drug war—which has left close to 10,000 dead since 2001—was made in the US and smuggled through the leaky border.

Guns and drugs have become so linked in the porous border region that barter is often preferable to laundering huge sums of cash. One ATF agent set the record straight on the bloody fray. “People think, ‘well, this is Mexico’s problem,’” he said, with an eye on pending legislation that could bring $1.4 billion of US funds to help stem the tide. “It’s obviously not.”

A Mexican soldier mans a gun on a vehicle filled with marijuana plants after a confiscation operation in Juarez, Mexico.
A Mexican soldier mans a gun on a vehicle filled with marijuana plants after a confiscation operation in Juarez, Mexico.   (AP Photo)
Mexican army soldiers run during a gun battle with drug traffickers in the city of Apatzingan, Mexico.
Mexican army soldiers run during a gun battle with drug traffickers in the city of Apatzingan, Mexico.   (AP Photo/Agencia Esquema)
Weapons seized weapons by Mexican state police.
Weapons seized weapons by Mexican state police.   (AP Photo)
Weapons seized near the Mexico-Texas border after a shootout on Jan. 7. At least three U.S. residents were among 10 suspects arrested.
Weapons seized near the Mexico-Texas border after a shootout on Jan. 7. At least three U.S. residents were among 10 suspects arrested.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Guns seized by Nicaraguan police, who said that they were going to be used to free 21 jailed members of the Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel convicted of cocaine trafficking.
Guns seized by Nicaraguan police, who said that they were going to be used to free 21 jailed members of the Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel convicted of cocaine trafficking.   (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Guns, drugs, and Mexico in Congress
Associated Press

A Phoenix dealer and trafficker busted
KPHO

Photos from the front lines of Mexico's drug war
Time

Top drug cop murdered in capital
Los Angeles Times

 
Mexico • border control • United States • ATF • drug trafficking • Mexican drug war • Sinaloa drug cartel • gunrunning

More Newser Stories

Mexico Busts Former Drug Czar

Mexico Disbands Corrupt Veracruz Police Force

26 Bodies Dumped in Guadalajara

17 Burned Bodies Found in Cartel-Plagued Sinaloa

40 'Fast & Furious' ATF Guns Found in Cartel Thug's House
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne