Arizona’s Real Problem

Pubdate: Mon, 10 May 2010
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Column: The Americas
Copyright: 2010 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Contact: wsj.ltrs@wsj.com
Author: Mary Anastasia O’Grady

ARIZONA’S REAL PROBLEM: DRUG CRIME

The Vicious Violence the Border States Are Experiencing Is Not
Committed by Migrant Laborers.

The organized-crime epidemic in Latin America, spawned by a U.S. drug
policy more than four decades in the making, seems to be leeching
into American cities. Powerful underworld networks supplying gringo
drug users are becoming increasingly bold about expanding their
businesses. In 2008, U.S. officials said that Mexican drug cartels
were serving their customers in 195 American cities.

The violence is only a fraction of what Mexico, Guatemala and
Colombia live with everyday. Yet it is notable. Kidnapping rates in
Phoenix, for example, are through the roof and some spectacular
murders targeting law enforcement have also grabbed headlines.

Continues: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10.n350.a05.html