User talk:Alexa Arena/sandbox
The Mexican Drug War is an ongoing conflict between criminal groups that operate within the Mexican drug trade. These groups are commonly referred to as drug cartels or drug trafficking organizations (DTOs).[1] Rival drug cartels fight over control of “areas of influence,”[2] strategic strongholds for the drug business. The majority of these areas are pockets along the 200-mile long Mexican border with the United States.
Origins
The drugs that circulate through Mexico originate from the south, primarily from the South American countries of Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag Just as cartels are established along familial lines, they fight as familial units against other cartels that threaten their hold on drug routes and markets.
Gang Consumption of Illicit Drugs
Effects on Mexican Population
The effects of the Mexican Drug War have increased in scale in recent years. The violence has escalated from affecting innocent civilians to whole towns. Some communities have experienced systematic occupation by drug cartels, whom have taken over such institutions as public offices and police departments.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
President Calderón has also initiated many education programs aimed at school-age children to combat drug temptation with education. Studies have shown that youth between the ages of twelve and seventeen are the most likely to experiment with drugs. The aim of Calderón’s education programs is to inform this vulnerable population and deter them from subsuming to drugs.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
- Equipment for inspection and surveillance
- Canines to “interdict trafficked drugs, arms, cash, and persons”
- Funds to bolster technology aimed to “improve and secure communications systems that collect criminal information”
- US “technical advice and training” in order to strengthen a new police force
- Witness protection programs for Mexico
- Corresponding software and supplemental technologies
- Aircrafts for the purpose of detection and quick response time of law enforcement agencies
- “Equipment, training, and community action programs” to educate and deter gang membership while thwarting current gang actions
Significance of the Merida Initiative
Symbolically, this initiative represents shared responsibility and cooperation between Mexico and the United States, a key factor in progressing towards ending the Mexican Drug War.