EXTRADITION A SIGNAL U.S., MEXICO WORKING TOGETHER

Are The United States And Mexico Entering A New Era Of Cooperation
In The War On Drugs?

The extradition earlier this month of a member of a famed Mexican
drug-trafficking family to the United States would seem to signal
some sort of united effort.

Francisco Rafael Arellano Felix, a member of the notorious Tijuana
Cartel, was transported Sept. 16 by helicopter to Brownsville, where
he was turned over to U.S. authorities. He faces prosecution on
26-year-old cocaine possession charges out of San Diego, Calif.

The crime with which he is charged is minor, but the fact that
efforts are being made to bring him to justice on decades-old
charges raises optimism that the United States is not fighting the
drug war alone.

U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza, who had warned American tourists about
traveling along the U.S. border because of cartel-related violence,
hailed the extradition as a positive step in the drug war.

"While Francisco Rafael Arellano Felix may not be the head of the
drug cartel named for his family, his extradition to the U.S. should
be a clear signal that we will pursue relentlessly those at all
levels who continue to wage war on our communities," Garza
told Dane Schiller, Express-News Mexico City bureau chief.

The drug war being fought along the border is hurting the economy
and innocent people in both countries. It is in the best interest of
everyone involved to work together toward a resolution.

It is not a problem that will be resolved overnight. Only by law
enforcement on both sides continuously chipping away at the
foundation of these warring factions will the lawless networks come
tumbling down.