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DEA Nabs 175 Mexican Drug Cartel Suspects

Nationwide initiative a key step in border drug war, authorities say

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 18, 2008 8:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – US officials arrested 175 suspected Mexican drug traffickers this week in raids in a dozen states, the LA Times reports. Prosecutors believe the suspects are part of the violent Gulf cartel, considered to be a driving force in Mexico’s escalating drug wars. The raids were part of a 15-month DEA investigation that has netted 507 arrests and the seizure of more than $60 million.

One of the cartel’s regional hubs was found in Atlanta, where 43 were arrested. Another 66 suspects were nabbed throughout Texas. “We believe these arrests are a substantial blow to the Gulf cartel,” said a key official. Cartel violence has intensified since Mexican President Felipe Calderon began a crackdown initiative 22 months ago.

Military patrol  the area where grenades exploded Monday in Morelia, Mexico. Two grenades were allegedly thrown by suspected drug cartel members into a crowd of thousands of Independence Day revelers.
Military patrol the area where grenades exploded Monday in Morelia, Mexico. Two grenades were allegedly thrown by suspected drug cartel members into a crowd of thousands of Independence Day revelers.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Drug Enforcement Administration agents escort a suspected Syrian arms dealer.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents escort a suspected Syrian arms dealer.   (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
Mexican soldiers stand guard near the site where two fragmentation grenades exploded late Monday in Morelia, Mexico.
Mexican soldiers stand guard near the site where two fragmentation grenades exploded late Monday in Morelia, Mexico.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
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