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Border Crackdown Can't Weed Out Mexican Cartels

Marijuana smugglers get creative, or turn to growing dope inside US

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 2, 2009 9:35 AM CST

(Newser) – The Mexican marijuana trade is flourishing, and border-protection efforts do little to deter powerful cartels from working in the US, the New York Times reports. Smugglers drop ramps over border fences and drive across, or use a new tactic: planting the pot in the US. Cartels now function in 195 US cities, compared to some 50 in 2006, the Justice Department says.

“Marijuana is the king crop,” said an official. “It consistently sustains its marketability and profitability.” Despite the removal of 6.6 million plants in the US in 2007, supply hasn’t dwindled. Meanwhile, cartel violence is soaring but has remained largely in Mexico. “The violence is happening because of the pressure we’ve exacted, but it does not fuel any increase or decrease in marijuana,” said an agent.

A marijuana plant is seen at a clandestine plantation during an anti-drugs operation near the city of Acapulco, Mexico, Sept. 21, 2007.
A marijuana plant is seen at a clandestine plantation during an anti-drugs operation near the city of Acapulco, Mexico, Sept. 21, 2007.   (AP Photo)
A US Border Patrol vehicle speeds along the border fence at sunset, Nov. 17, 2008, in San Diego.
A US Border Patrol vehicle speeds along the border fence at sunset, Nov. 17, 2008, in San Diego.   (AP Photo)
A migrant jumps to cross the US-Mexico border fence in Tijuana, Mexico, Sept. 11, 2008.
A migrant jumps to cross the US-Mexico border fence in Tijuana, Mexico, Sept. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mad
Feb 2, 2009 5:53 AM CST
What would happen? Court calendars would clear, prisons would stop being over crowded and violent prisoners would have to do all their time and not released early, police would be free to investigate real crimes and America would generate many millions (billions?) in taxes.
Shannonals
Feb 2, 2009 2:50 AM CST
Now what would happen if the government made marijuana legal and regulated sales?
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 10:17 PM CST
Is this really a smart way to fight drugs?

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