No wonder winning the war on drugs is an uphill task. This is simply unbelievable.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working in
conjunction with Mexican police, made what the DEA described as the
“largest drug-cash seizure in history” when they confiscated a total of
$205.6 millionin U.S. currency, along with other cash, vehicles, and
weapons, from a residence used by methamphetamine producers.
The money found hidden inside walls, suitcases and closets in one of
Mexico City’s wealthiest neighborhoods came from the profits of
methamphetamines sold in the United States, [DEA chief Karen Tandy]
said.
Mexican law enforcement and the DEA worked for a year on the operation, she said.
Mexican federal agents also seized eight luxury vehicles, seven weapons
and a pill-making machine during the raid in Lomas de Chapultepec, a
neighborhood of walled compounds that is home to ambassadors and
business magnates. Seven people were arrested and were ordered Monday to
be held for three months while the investigation continues.
In addition to the dollars, officials found 200,000 euros and 157,500 pesos.
Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora said the money was
connected to one of the hemisphere’s largest networks for trafficking
pseudoephedrine, the main ingredient in methamphetamines.
Mora said the ring had been operating since 2004 and was run by a
native of China who had gained Mexican citizenship. The alleged gang
leader is in hiding, possibly outside of the country, Medina Mora said.
The operation should reduce the supply of methamphetamine to the
United States, where Mexican drug gangs control at least 80 percent of
the market, Tandy said. The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Antonio O. Garza,
issued a statement about the raid which is reproduced on the embassy’s
web site.
With the largest single drug cash seizure by law enforcement
officials in history, major narco-traffickers are now US $205 million
poorer. This unprecedented seizure of drug money by Mexican law
enforcement officials in Mexico City last week also led to the arrest of
several important narco-traffickers.
The seizure and arrests underscore our two countries’ deep commitment
to fighting the drug kingpins who bring corruption and violence to
communities on both sides of the border. President Calderon’s
administration has demonstrated firm resolve in fighting the criminals
who undermine our societies and terrorize our citizens.
Acting on information supplied in part by the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration, Mexican law enforcement officers on March 15th seized
these funds from the Mexico City home of an individual connected to the
UNIMED pharmaceutical corporation of Hong Kong, China. Seven individuals
have been arrested so far and authorities are looking for more
suspects.
Source : http://buzzinn.net
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