THE FLOW OF NARCO-DOLLARS

Regarding the June 2 front-page article "U.S. Sees Threat From Criminal
Enterprises of Mexican Family," Mexican drug lords and corrupt politicians
frequently use institutions such as Laredo National Bankshares to launder
their money and filter their profits into "legitimate" business ventures
across the United States.

Indeed, U.S. banks often fail to examine the source of the deposits they
receive, many not wanting to know the truth. This ensures that the flow of
narco-dollars can continue unimpeded. The severity of the allegations in the
case of the Hank family should serve as a wake-up call to those Americans
who are unaware of the depth of the money-laundering problem that plagues
U.S. financial institutions, but it is by no means a new story.

Lorenzo R. Cortes, Alexandria

Research Assistant, National Defense Council Foundation