MEXICAN CARTELS RUN U.S. DRUG TRADE, REPORT SAYS

EL PASO - Mexican cartels have taken over most of the drug trade in
the United States, and are working with 20 gangs, including the
Barrio Aztecas, according to a just-released report by the National
Drug Intelligence Center titled "National Drug Threat Assessment 2009."

"Mexican DTO's (drug trade organizations) represent the greatest
organized crime threat to the United States ... the influence of
Mexican DTO's over domestic drug-trafficking is unrivaled," said the
report by the NDIC, an independent component of the U.S. Justice
Department, with offices in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

It also said the cartels control drug distribution in most U.S.
cities (230 cities have reported a presence of the Mexican drug
groups), and "are gaining strength in markets that they do not yet control."

Mexican, Asian, Colombian, Dominican and Colombian drug organizations
work with at least 28 gangs in the United States, which insulate the
drug cartel cells from law enforcement and act as retail distributors
and enforcers. The gangs listed include the Barrio Azteca, Latin
Kings, Maras (MS-13), Hells Angels, Mexican Mafia, Bloods, Crips and others.

Sandalio "Sandy" Gonzalez, former chief of the Drug Enforcement
Administration in El Paso, said, "It's difficult to rein in the
Mexican cartels because their bosses operate on the other side of the border.

The same holds true of the Colombian drug dealers. We're lucky if we
catch some mid-level members. To make a dent, we need to have a true
partnership with Mexican authorities, one in which we can trust each other."

The NDIC report released Sunday also said El Paso has reported the
presence of members of Colombian and Dominican Republic drug
organizations. Mexican cartels operate in El Paso, Las Cruces,
Deming, Columbus and Albuquerque, as well.

An earlier NDIC report dated June 2008 said Mexican drug cartels are
using Indian reservations in the United States to recruit workers,
and use their lands to transport drugs. The report did not name the
tribes involved.

Spanish-language television networks are feeding a growing interest
in drug cartels with series like "El Cartel de los Sapos," which airs
locally each week night at 9:30 p.m. on Telemundo (cable channel 11),
and "El Pantera," a Televisa-released series, which is set to begin
its new season later this month.

"El Cartel de los Sapos" focuses on Colombian drug dealers and has
become an international hit, while "El Pantera," which attracts
viewers in the United States, revolves around a hero who fights a
powerful Mexican drug lord and corrupt police and officials.