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25 Mexican Cops Busted for Drug Ties
Calderon launches troops to root out police corruption
By Amelia Atlas
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Posted Jun 2, 09 2:10 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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Mexican soldiers and federal agents have arrested at least 25 police officers accused of links to drug trafficking operations, reports AP. The busts are part of an ongoing effort to stem the tide of drug violence. President Felipe Calderon has committed over 40,000 troops to combat the cartels. Calderon conceded that the Mexican police force has been compromised at all levels.
The arrests grew from evidence connecting cops to drug traffickers detained last month. Military officers are assuming a growing role in the maintenance of the country's police forces. Some 5000 new troops in Cuidad Juarez, a hotbed of drug-related violence, has resulted in a decrease in crime there. Drug violence has claimed over 10,750 lives since Calderon's national campaign against organized crime began in 2006.