Mexico – Drugs, Guns and Human Trafficking

August 28, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Mexico is in the middle of the worst battle against the drug cartels and human traffickers. The North American state is bogged down with horrendous crimes against the vulnerable population within and outside the country attempting to flee the economic, political and social quagmire.

Rather than substantial investments in economy, education, health care, energy and environmental issues,

The Mexican President Felipe Calderón government is forced to divest substantial national resources in targeting the criminals held responsible for the recent massacre, shootings, explosions and gang warfare.

According to the latest reports, the horrific execution of the 72 migrants from Central and South America near Texas border is a grim reality on the lawlessness prevailing in the clashes between the drug gangs and the federal forces.

The drug gang suspected to be involved in the migrant killings is identified as the ‘Zetas,’ ironically represented by the ex-police and military special force officers. Those individuals who were once trained to protect the citizens and the nation are now wreaking havoc through human smuggling and drug related activities.

Their expansive raid is seemingly indiscriminate and none are considered off-limit. They aim at prosecutors daring to bring them to justice, organize shooting spree near private schools attended by defenseless children.

Otherwise, their cowardly act see no boundaries and all are regarded a ‘fair game.’

Obviously there are two elements facilitating their massive operations or the successful heinous crimes and that being – drugs and guns.

These two deadly sources are proved to be potent arsenal used by warfare agents, whether they are drug gangs in Mexico or the terrorists in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen…

They are also the greatest threat to global peace and security.

During the Mexican President’s state visit to Washington, the epidemic violence was shared as the biggest concern among other issues. In that context, the requirement to address the drug and arms supply sources across the U.S and Mexican border was also expressed.

The lucrative arms trade from the United States to Mexico was even cited by the State Department at that time. The convenient exchange of drugs for ammunition between these networks is evolving into an international affair as witnessed in the migrants’ deaths.

Evidently, Mexico alone cannot combat the situation against the nexus operatives located in the regions along North and South Mexican borders.

Perhaps, the United States and other Mexican neighbors consolidated efforts in terminating the deals originating from their end would ease the burden on the Mexican government.

Besides, none are invincible and the drug suppliers together with the arms dealers are no exceptions to the fact. They could be easily dealt with by the combined federal forces in Mexico and the United States.

Essentially, eliminating the sources regardless of its origin is the preliminary step towards containing the spiraling violence that is reported to have claimed a staggering 28,000 lives since 2006.

Further, corruption within government and police forces in Mexico is another factor exacerbating the crisis. The innocent civilians in the urban and rural areas are in a dilemma while seeking protection from the criminals.

The Mexican law enforcement authorities could provide immunity to the suspects in their custody and have them assist the government in tracking down the masterminds behind the organized crime.

Often the gangs and terror groups seek the economically disadvantaged youths to serve their nefarious agendas. Their easy targets are commonly the population in abject poverty and the disoriented segments deprived of future and struggling to survive in the harsh economic environment.

Mexico jobs are on the rise with no improvement in the workers’ earnings and benefits.

Therefore, both urban and rural development boosting job growth with simultaneous increase in wages for better living standards would deter recruits in aligning with the drug cartels.

A unified community along with strong police security pledged to citizens’ safety could prohibit the relentless attacks and fatalities.

Educating the terrified residents and villagers on community support could strengthen the people resistance to drug traders and their allies.

The concerted private and public sector programs sponsoring social workers, religious leaders, political figures and news media can largely influence the society in defeating the forces behind the mayhem.

With the Mexican government commitment, citizens’ solidarity and the neighboring nations’ extended coordination in drug and guns crackdown, the prolific violence could be ended at its roots.

Mexico’s problem is a regional crisis and the law enforcement agencies’ formidable alliance is crucial in apprehending the perpetrators.

United States, Canada and Latin America bear equal responsibility in this regard.

Good Luck! To Mexico for peace and prosperity is on the horizon to relieve the people from their suffering.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics 

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