It’s been a year since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jamie Zapata was killed in Mexico. This somber day is a reminder that Mexico remains a dangerous country for American law enforcement officers who serve south of the border.
The heavily armed-drug cartels continue to operate freely in Mexico, while U.S. agents are still forced to investigate cartel activity without any firearms- in other words, it's business as usual.
One year ago Special Agent Zapata was traveling along a major highway in Mexico when his suburban was boxed-in by alleged cartel members, forced to the median where he lowered his window slightly to identify himself as an ICE agent, and was ultimately killed when the cartel opened fire leaving behind some 90 rounds of AK-47 bullets.
Several alleged killers have been arrested, and one, Julian Zapata Espinoza aka “Piolin” or “Tweety,” has been extradited to the U.S. to face murder charges.
While “Tweety” awaits trial, ICE headquarters released a statement regarding Agent Zapata’s death. The agency explained the loss has touched all who knew Mr. Zapata, but they also wanted to remember how courageous and honorable he was.
It’s widely believed by agents and law enforcement agencies that Zapata was killed with a gun from the botched ATF Fast and Furious program. Mexican officials have already confirmed the gunwalking operation has killed hundreds of Mexican nationals, but the U.S. hasn’t said a Fast and Furious gun killed Zapata.
"He was the type of person who wanted to contribute something significant to this world," said ICE Director John Morton.
ICE headquarters said Zapata joined the agency in 2006 and was assigned to the Deputy Assistant HSI office in Laredo, Texas, where he served on the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit, as well as the Border Enforcement Security Task Force.
“He was detailed to ICE's attaché office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City at the time of the tragedy. By extending his service across the border, SA Zapata put his life on the line to keep this country safe,” a statement read. “Having lived and worked along the Southwest border, Zapata was familiar with the challenges of being a law enforcement officer in that area.”
The ultimate sacrifice Agent Zapata made for America has not been forgotten. During National Police Week in May 2011, ICE honored SA Zapata's life and legacy with a plaque on the ICE Wall of Honor.
His hometown in Texas also honored Zapata in April 2011, when they renamed a street after him. “This street, close to his parents' home, was named Jamie J. Zapata Avenue. Zapata's family was the first to drive on it.”
ICE also said other memorials for Zapata include a criminal justice training facility named after him at Kaplan College in McAllen, Texas; a resolution passed in the Texas Senate in his honor; and federal law enforcement legislation sponsored in his name.
Director Morton said he would be spending the day with Zapata's family in Texas.
"No one will ever be able to replace Jaime," said Morton. "He lives on in all of us. He inspired each of us on a personal level to be the best we can be – as a son or daughter, brother or sister, a public servant, or any other role."
Among those who are remembering Agent Zapata are the retired Border Patrol Agents at NAFBPO. “As a retired Border Patrol Agent, I pray there is justice for both Jaime Zapata and Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, both killed because of Fast and Furious. Those responsible must be held accountable. Honor First,” Alan Ferguson of NAFBPO concluded.
While it is right to honor the fallen ICE agent, one must wonder why the same treatment has not found its way to murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, who died after a shootout in Arizona by a drug smuggler using a Fast and Furious ATF gun?
Rest in peace...agents... rest in peace.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com It’s been a year since ICE Agent Zapata was killed in Mexico -RIP - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/it-s-been-a-year-since-ice-agent-zapata-was-killed-mexico-rip#ixzz1mUrNWoQr
Showing posts with label drug cartels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drug cartels. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Mexican Cartel calls for a truce during Pope's visit
Who knew the ruler of the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI, could broker a peace deal between rival Mexican drug cartel members, but that’s what the Knights Templar, a vicious so-called religious drug trafficking organization has called for during the Catholic leader’s visit to Mexico on March 23.
The Associated Press posted a photo they received from Mexico Municipal Police department that suggested a truce should be honored ahead of the archdiocese March visit.
"We just want to warn that we do not want more groups in the state of Guanajuato. Confrontations will be inevitable. You have been warned, New Generation, we want Guanajuato in Peace, so don't think about moving in and much less causing violence, precisely at this time when His Holiness Benedict XVI is coming,” the banner read. (Story here)
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Who knew the ruler of the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI, could broker a peace deal between rival Mexican drug cartel members, but that’s what the Knights Templar, a vicious so-called religious drug trafficking organization has called for during the Catholic leader’s visit to Mexico on March 23.
The Associated Press posted a photo they received from Mexico Municipal Police department that suggested a truce should be honored ahead of the archdiocese March visit.
"We just want to warn that we do not want more groups in the state of Guanajuato. Confrontations will be inevitable. You have been warned, New Generation, we want Guanajuato in Peace, so don't think about moving in and much less causing violence, precisely at this time when His Holiness Benedict XVI is coming,” the banner read. (Story here)
The carefully placed banners asking for a rival cartel truce were discovered by police on heavily –travelled Mexico City bridges. The narco banners were also found and removed in several locations throughout central Mexico.
“Police spokesman Gabriel Cordero said in an e-mail that the banners had been taken down and handed over to federal prosecutors. On Jan. 22, Leon Archbishop Jose Guadalupe Martin Rabago called on drug cartels to observe a sort of truce during the Pope's visit,” according to the Associated Press.
"To those who do evil, if my words can reach them, I would tell them to realize that we are living times of grace and peace, and that they should help by allowing all these people to come to an event that is totally respectable and not to take advantage to do anything that could lead to an experience of mourning and death," Leon Archbishop Rabago said. "I trust that in their hearts, they are human in the end, there is enough sensitivity to respect people's lives."
The Knights Templar (it’s name came from medieval religious warriors) have self-described their religious beliefs in a training manual and reportedly have included a “code of conduct” for their members. One of the so-called rules prohibits cartel members to kill people for money or drugs. However, most experts agree that cartels follow no rules in the gruesome, dark world of narco violence.
Rabago asked the cartels to "collaborate at least to allow that all these people to attend a totally respectable act. Don't take advantage (of the situation) to do something that will take us to a place of sorrow and death."
Mexico’s law enforcement officials say they are ramping up security ahead of the Papal leader visit. The country’s leaders have also reassured the Vatican as well as Mexican residents that they will be able to honor Pope Benedict safely.
More than 50,000 deaths, many victims were women and children, can be attributed to the brutal drug cartel turf-war over the past five years.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
The Associated Press posted a photo they received from Mexico Municipal Police department that suggested a truce should be honored ahead of the archdiocese March visit.
"We just want to warn that we do not want more groups in the state of Guanajuato. Confrontations will be inevitable. You have been warned, New Generation, we want Guanajuato in Peace, so don't think about moving in and much less causing violence, precisely at this time when His Holiness Benedict XVI is coming,” the banner read. (Story here)
Advertisement
Who knew the ruler of the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI, could broker a peace deal between rival Mexican drug cartel members, but that’s what the Knights Templar, a vicious so-called religious drug trafficking organization has called for during the Catholic leader’s visit to Mexico on March 23.
The Associated Press posted a photo they received from Mexico Municipal Police department that suggested a truce should be honored ahead of the archdiocese March visit.
"We just want to warn that we do not want more groups in the state of Guanajuato. Confrontations will be inevitable. You have been warned, New Generation, we want Guanajuato in Peace, so don't think about moving in and much less causing violence, precisely at this time when His Holiness Benedict XVI is coming,” the banner read. (Story here)
The carefully placed banners asking for a rival cartel truce were discovered by police on heavily –travelled Mexico City bridges. The narco banners were also found and removed in several locations throughout central Mexico.
“Police spokesman Gabriel Cordero said in an e-mail that the banners had been taken down and handed over to federal prosecutors. On Jan. 22, Leon Archbishop Jose Guadalupe Martin Rabago called on drug cartels to observe a sort of truce during the Pope's visit,” according to the Associated Press.
"To those who do evil, if my words can reach them, I would tell them to realize that we are living times of grace and peace, and that they should help by allowing all these people to come to an event that is totally respectable and not to take advantage to do anything that could lead to an experience of mourning and death," Leon Archbishop Rabago said. "I trust that in their hearts, they are human in the end, there is enough sensitivity to respect people's lives."
The Knights Templar (it’s name came from medieval religious warriors) have self-described their religious beliefs in a training manual and reportedly have included a “code of conduct” for their members. One of the so-called rules prohibits cartel members to kill people for money or drugs. However, most experts agree that cartels follow no rules in the gruesome, dark world of narco violence.
Rabago asked the cartels to "collaborate at least to allow that all these people to attend a totally respectable act. Don't take advantage (of the situation) to do something that will take us to a place of sorrow and death."
Mexico’s law enforcement officials say they are ramping up security ahead of the Papal leader visit. The country’s leaders have also reassured the Vatican as well as Mexican residents that they will be able to honor Pope Benedict safely.
More than 50,000 deaths, many victims were women and children, can be attributed to the brutal drug cartel turf-war over the past five years.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Dozens of suspected drug-cartel members arrested in San Diego
A multiagency criminal sweep in San Diego arrested dozens of alleged Mexican drug-cartel members today.
The task force titled, “Operation Second Sole,” arrested 43 “high value” drug-cartel suspects trafficking drugs, weapons and stolen property. Authorities said these assailants engaged in “incredible acts of violence” throughout San Diego communities.
“Many of the suspects arrested today have significant criminal histories and were considered to be armed and dangerous,” San Diego Police Lieutenant Kevin Ammon said. “The success of today’s operation rid the county of a serious threat to the safety and security of our citizens.”
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers used search warrants to take down and arrest 43 cartel suspects. The morning raids captured criminals without incident in and around San Diego County.
Ammon explained the joint task force was successful in “disrupting criminal enterprises.”
Law enforcement agencies launched ‘Operation Second Sole’ to “interrupt and prevent dangerous individuals from committing acts of violence in furtherance of narcotics trafficking,” said John Torres, ATF special-agent-in charge in Southern California.
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“As a result of this joint effort, suspects implicated in criminal activity ranged from homicide to armed robbery. (All) have been taken into custody along with (the) seized contraband, including illegal firearms and methamphetamine,” Torres said.
The Mexican cartel sweep is part of an effort to disrupt criminal gangs along the U.S. border and break up illicit drug rings.
The multi-agency taskforce included, San Diego Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (BATFE), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Diego County District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), California Border Protection Alliance Group (HIDTA), San Diego County Sheriff's Department and finally the Chula Vista Police Department.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Dozens of suspected drug-cartel members arrested in San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/dozens-of-suspected-drug-cartel-members-arrested-san-diego#ixzz1Sbamkwdu
The task force titled, “Operation Second Sole,” arrested 43 “high value” drug-cartel suspects trafficking drugs, weapons and stolen property. Authorities said these assailants engaged in “incredible acts of violence” throughout San Diego communities.
“Many of the suspects arrested today have significant criminal histories and were considered to be armed and dangerous,” San Diego Police Lieutenant Kevin Ammon said. “The success of today’s operation rid the county of a serious threat to the safety and security of our citizens.”
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers used search warrants to take down and arrest 43 cartel suspects. The morning raids captured criminals without incident in and around San Diego County.
Ammon explained the joint task force was successful in “disrupting criminal enterprises.”
Law enforcement agencies launched ‘Operation Second Sole’ to “interrupt and prevent dangerous individuals from committing acts of violence in furtherance of narcotics trafficking,” said John Torres, ATF special-agent-in charge in Southern California.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
“As a result of this joint effort, suspects implicated in criminal activity ranged from homicide to armed robbery. (All) have been taken into custody along with (the) seized contraband, including illegal firearms and methamphetamine,” Torres said.
The Mexican cartel sweep is part of an effort to disrupt criminal gangs along the U.S. border and break up illicit drug rings.
The multi-agency taskforce included, San Diego Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (BATFE), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Diego County District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), California Border Protection Alliance Group (HIDTA), San Diego County Sheriff's Department and finally the Chula Vista Police Department.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Dozens of suspected drug-cartel members arrested in San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/dozens-of-suspected-drug-cartel-members-arrested-san-diego#ixzz1Sbamkwdu
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tip from informant leads authorities to an abandoned million-dollar drug load
A confidential informant tipped Pinal County Sheriff’s Office that a possible "load vehicle" carrying illicit drugs was spotted in the Vekol Valley, a known-drug smuggling corridor.
A multi-agency effort including Pinal Regional SWAT, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue as well as the Maricopa County HIDTA worked together to seize the drug-laden truck. Authorities located the abandoned truck in a rugged desert area roughly eight miles from Interstate 8.
The Sheriff’s Office reported the abandoned truck showed signs the occupants left within the hour. Evidence also suggested the truck carried at least three occupants who escaped arrest.
Despite the triple-digit heat the drug smugglers fled into the desert and remain at large.
A Sheriff spokesperson, Tim Gaffney said the 4-door GMC truck had been stolen.
“Located in the cab and bed of the truck was approximately 1,849 pounds of marijuana,” he said. “The marijuana had a street value of over one million dollars.”
Pinal County Arizona is the number one “pass through” corridor for drugs in the country and Sheriff Paul Babeu has been an outspoken critic of former Arizona Governor-turned Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano.
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“Last week myself and several officials met with Secretary Janet Napolitano regarding our southern border. Secretary Napolitano told our group we are never going to seal the border, and since the beginning of time, we’ve always had contraband going through it,” Sheriff Babeu explained. “Myself along with most Americans wonder how the person in charge of securing the border can say we can’t do it.”
Pointing to the Yuma border sector, Babeu stated; “The border can be secured. It has already happened in the Yuma Sector where border crossings have been reduced by 96 percent. Why can we put 28,000 soldiers in Korea to secure and protect their border but we can’t put 6,000 here to protect our own border?”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
Or http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Tip from informant leads authorities to an abandoned million-dollar drug load - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/tip-from-informant-leads-authorities-to-an-abandoned-million-dollar-drug-load#ixzz1S6AUIHEP
A multi-agency effort including Pinal Regional SWAT, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue as well as the Maricopa County HIDTA worked together to seize the drug-laden truck. Authorities located the abandoned truck in a rugged desert area roughly eight miles from Interstate 8.
The Sheriff’s Office reported the abandoned truck showed signs the occupants left within the hour. Evidence also suggested the truck carried at least three occupants who escaped arrest.
Despite the triple-digit heat the drug smugglers fled into the desert and remain at large.
A Sheriff spokesperson, Tim Gaffney said the 4-door GMC truck had been stolen.
“Located in the cab and bed of the truck was approximately 1,849 pounds of marijuana,” he said. “The marijuana had a street value of over one million dollars.”
Pinal County Arizona is the number one “pass through” corridor for drugs in the country and Sheriff Paul Babeu has been an outspoken critic of former Arizona Governor-turned Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
“Last week myself and several officials met with Secretary Janet Napolitano regarding our southern border. Secretary Napolitano told our group we are never going to seal the border, and since the beginning of time, we’ve always had contraband going through it,” Sheriff Babeu explained. “Myself along with most Americans wonder how the person in charge of securing the border can say we can’t do it.”
Pointing to the Yuma border sector, Babeu stated; “The border can be secured. It has already happened in the Yuma Sector where border crossings have been reduced by 96 percent. Why can we put 28,000 soldiers in Korea to secure and protect their border but we can’t put 6,000 here to protect our own border?”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
Or http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Tip from informant leads authorities to an abandoned million-dollar drug load - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/tip-from-informant-leads-authorities-to-an-abandoned-million-dollar-drug-load#ixzz1S6AUIHEP
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Ex Tijuana Mayor with cartel ties, Hank Rhon released from custody
Tijuana’s popular former Mayor Jorge Han Rhon was released for a second time today. Rhon was arrested in his Tijuana mansion on June 4 by Mexican military forces for stockpiling weapons. At the time of the raid, Rhon was in possession of 78 unregistered firearms.
Mexico does not have a Second Amendment and residents must undergo a painstaking application process in order to legally possess a firearm.
Nevertheless, the federal judge determined the wealthy ex-mayor could no longer remain in the court’s custody.
Rhon’s release came 10 days after his initial detention. However, the state prosecutor’s office wasted no time and immediately brought Rhon in for questioning about a murder weapon that allegedly matched two of his guns.
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The federal judge also freed 10 of Rhon’s staff members who were arrested during the initial raid.
Speculation from Mexico insiders contends the arrest may have been motivated by politics as Rhon belongs to the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) who looks to regain the presidency in Mexico next year.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Ex Tijuana Mayor with cartel ties, Hank Rhon released from custody - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/ex-tijuana-mayor-with-cartel-ties-hank-rhon-released-from-custody#ixzz1PJdUS7sb
Mexico does not have a Second Amendment and residents must undergo a painstaking application process in order to legally possess a firearm.
Nevertheless, the federal judge determined the wealthy ex-mayor could no longer remain in the court’s custody.
Rhon’s release came 10 days after his initial detention. However, the state prosecutor’s office wasted no time and immediately brought Rhon in for questioning about a murder weapon that allegedly matched two of his guns.
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The federal judge also freed 10 of Rhon’s staff members who were arrested during the initial raid.
Speculation from Mexico insiders contends the arrest may have been motivated by politics as Rhon belongs to the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) who looks to regain the presidency in Mexico next year.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Ex Tijuana Mayor with cartel ties, Hank Rhon released from custody - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/ex-tijuana-mayor-with-cartel-ties-hank-rhon-released-from-custody#ixzz1PJdUS7sb
Monday, June 13, 2011
San Diego Border Patrol nets $1 million worth of marijuana on a panga boat
Over the weekend, San Diego Border Patrol agents arrested three Mexican nationals in the early morning hours that were smuggling more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana worth about a million dollars inside a panga-style boat.
It was the National Guardsmen, who were posted by the Obama Administration, that spotted the panga boat with three people aboard roaming the California coastline without navigation lights near Camp Pendleton Marine base. With the support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents (CBP), the Guardsmen monitored the panga boat until it came ashore near San Onofre State Beach approximately an hour later.
Agents met the drug-filled panga boat and arrested all three illegal aliens, as they were unloading 21 cellophane-wrapped bundles of marijuana with a total weight of 1,543.04 pounds and an estimated street value of $925,821.60.
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The men, the narcotics and the boat were turned over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who will lead the investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies maintain a strong enforcement position along the coastal borders to detect and arrest smugglers of humans, drugs and other contraband and are a member agency of the Maritime Unified Command (MUC). The public is encouraged to report any suspicious maritime activity by calling the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 1-800-854-9834.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol nets $1 million worth of marijuana on a panga boat - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-border-patrol-nets-1-million-worth-of-marijuana-on-a-panga-boat#ixzz1PCXnXPk6
It was the National Guardsmen, who were posted by the Obama Administration, that spotted the panga boat with three people aboard roaming the California coastline without navigation lights near Camp Pendleton Marine base. With the support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents (CBP), the Guardsmen monitored the panga boat until it came ashore near San Onofre State Beach approximately an hour later.
Agents met the drug-filled panga boat and arrested all three illegal aliens, as they were unloading 21 cellophane-wrapped bundles of marijuana with a total weight of 1,543.04 pounds and an estimated street value of $925,821.60.
Advertisement
The men, the narcotics and the boat were turned over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who will lead the investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies maintain a strong enforcement position along the coastal borders to detect and arrest smugglers of humans, drugs and other contraband and are a member agency of the Maritime Unified Command (MUC). The public is encouraged to report any suspicious maritime activity by calling the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 1-800-854-9834.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol nets $1 million worth of marijuana on a panga boat - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-border-patrol-nets-1-million-worth-of-marijuana-on-a-panga-boat#ixzz1PCXnXPk6
BREAKING: New video of drug smugglers loading drug-filled inside Arizona borders
Several days before the murder of New Mexico resident Larry Link, Border Invasion Pics caught illegal smugglers carrying loads of drugs inside the U.S. borders loading dope filled backpacks into a waiting pickup truck; not once, but twice in the same day, on the same trail.
The daring event unfolded under the cover of daylight- yes daylight. Cartels have become so brazen with their ability to smuggle drugs, they are not even waiting for the cover of darkness.
An obvious question American citizens should be asking is where are the Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, or even local law enforcement?
Southern Arizona residents know the answer; without a secure southern border fence, there is simply too much territory to cover and not enough resources to apprehend all the bad guys.
The new video was captured by longtime southeastern, Arizona resident. “My family came to Arizona in 1878. This is my state, and these people (illegal aliens and smugglers) are invading it. Drugs are illegal, and they ruin lives.”
Not one to claim the limelight, the videographer of Border Invasion Pics would like to protect his anonymity for those outside his home town. However, he wanted to share the shocking video with outsiders who are not familiar with the seriousness of drug smuggling and the daily barrage of illegal trafficking of people along the porous southern borders.
“Drug smuggling has taken dangerous criminal activity and violence to a new level all over the country,” he explains. “As an American citizen and Viet Nam vet, I see intervening wherever I can as my responsibility - especially since I have the necessary skills to do so.” The video does not lie.
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The Border Invasion videos show a long line of drug cartel members quietly ambling towards their load drop-off point. Without stopping and asking the “mules” (a common name used for those who transport drugs) there is no evidence of which cartel they belong to.
Video clip 1; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpoTHSFxoZk&feature=player_embedded
Video clip 2; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z89fIrk8ofE
The footage was taken near Bisbee, Arizona. It is 50 miles (as a crow flies) west of the New Mexico state line and location of the Stein Ghost Town murder of Larry Link. Residents in both states have described similar events that are shown in these “You Tube” videos. To read about the June 6 murder of businessman/ghost ranch owner Larry Link; read here.
To see more video at Border Invasion Pics; http://www.borderinvasionpics.com/index.html#FeaturedTop
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Video clip 1; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpoTHSFxoZk&feature=player_embedded
Video clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z89fIrk8ofE
Continue reading on Examiner.com BREAKING: New video of drug smugglers loading drug-filled inside Arizona borders - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/breaking-video-of-drug-smugglers-loading-pot-inside-arizona-borders#ixzz1PAP3qwXy
The daring event unfolded under the cover of daylight- yes daylight. Cartels have become so brazen with their ability to smuggle drugs, they are not even waiting for the cover of darkness.
An obvious question American citizens should be asking is where are the Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, or even local law enforcement?
Southern Arizona residents know the answer; without a secure southern border fence, there is simply too much territory to cover and not enough resources to apprehend all the bad guys.
The new video was captured by longtime southeastern, Arizona resident. “My family came to Arizona in 1878. This is my state, and these people (illegal aliens and smugglers) are invading it. Drugs are illegal, and they ruin lives.”
Not one to claim the limelight, the videographer of Border Invasion Pics would like to protect his anonymity for those outside his home town. However, he wanted to share the shocking video with outsiders who are not familiar with the seriousness of drug smuggling and the daily barrage of illegal trafficking of people along the porous southern borders.
“Drug smuggling has taken dangerous criminal activity and violence to a new level all over the country,” he explains. “As an American citizen and Viet Nam vet, I see intervening wherever I can as my responsibility - especially since I have the necessary skills to do so.” The video does not lie.
Advertisement
The Border Invasion videos show a long line of drug cartel members quietly ambling towards their load drop-off point. Without stopping and asking the “mules” (a common name used for those who transport drugs) there is no evidence of which cartel they belong to.
Video clip 1; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpoTHSFxoZk&feature=player_embedded
Video clip 2; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z89fIrk8ofE
The footage was taken near Bisbee, Arizona. It is 50 miles (as a crow flies) west of the New Mexico state line and location of the Stein Ghost Town murder of Larry Link. Residents in both states have described similar events that are shown in these “You Tube” videos. To read about the June 6 murder of businessman/ghost ranch owner Larry Link; read here.
To see more video at Border Invasion Pics; http://www.borderinvasionpics.com/index.html#FeaturedTop
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Video clip 1; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpoTHSFxoZk&feature=player_embedded
Video clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z89fIrk8ofE
Continue reading on Examiner.com BREAKING: New video of drug smugglers loading drug-filled inside Arizona borders - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/breaking-video-of-drug-smugglers-loading-pot-inside-arizona-borders#ixzz1PAP3qwXy
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
UPDATE: New Mexico rancher Larry Link murdered by illegal alien
New details are emerging about the murder of a New Mexico rancher, Larry Link, 68, who was killed yesterday on his property.
Link’s ranch/ghost town is located approximately 47 miles from the U.S./Mexico border, and he moved to Stein, New Mexico to get away from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix.
“My uncle was a good man who deserved better,” Bill Link said.
Reacting to the murder, Los Cruces, New Mexico resident, Tammy Hopkins said the government continues to tell the American public, “We have no problem. I give one of them one night alone on my property, and they would damn sure change their minds!”
As word spread yesterday about Link’s murder, groups from around the country shared their thoughts about the senseless crime and porous borders.
“NCFIRE extends our condolences to you and your family. All of our states are saturated with illegal alien crime - murders. So many U.S. families are suffering unnecessarily. In order to not allow these loved ones to die in vain, it is imperative that we take action to change legislation and participate in protecting the border... This must end and only we can force this to happen.”
Hidalgo County Commissioner Ed Kerr told the Los Cruces Sun-News there has been recent illegal immigrant and drug activity near Link’s property.
"Last summer in August, I found five bundles of marijuana on my ranch land about 50 feet from the freeway. That can't be more than eight or 10 miles from Larry's," he told the Los Cruces Sun-News. "They were scattered about. One was under the billboard, one was beside the fence. Illegals with empty backpacks had dropped their load. I-10 is, obviously, a connecting point. We're getting a lot of traffic, more than what we've seen in the past couple of years. They have ultra-light planes flying out of Mexico and dropping off bundles and then illegals walking and picking them up."
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New Mexico State Police, who are investigating this case, haven’t released any new information regarding the Link murder.
Link celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary last year, and he is survived by children and grandchildren.
Continue reading on Examiner.com UPDATE: New Mexico rancher Larry Link murdered by illegal alien - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/breaking-new-mexico-rancher-larry-link-murdered-by-illegal-alien#ixzz1OheDotSj
Link’s ranch/ghost town is located approximately 47 miles from the U.S./Mexico border, and he moved to Stein, New Mexico to get away from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix.
“My uncle was a good man who deserved better,” Bill Link said.
Reacting to the murder, Los Cruces, New Mexico resident, Tammy Hopkins said the government continues to tell the American public, “We have no problem. I give one of them one night alone on my property, and they would damn sure change their minds!”
As word spread yesterday about Link’s murder, groups from around the country shared their thoughts about the senseless crime and porous borders.
“NCFIRE extends our condolences to you and your family. All of our states are saturated with illegal alien crime - murders. So many U.S. families are suffering unnecessarily. In order to not allow these loved ones to die in vain, it is imperative that we take action to change legislation and participate in protecting the border... This must end and only we can force this to happen.”
Hidalgo County Commissioner Ed Kerr told the Los Cruces Sun-News there has been recent illegal immigrant and drug activity near Link’s property.
"Last summer in August, I found five bundles of marijuana on my ranch land about 50 feet from the freeway. That can't be more than eight or 10 miles from Larry's," he told the Los Cruces Sun-News. "They were scattered about. One was under the billboard, one was beside the fence. Illegals with empty backpacks had dropped their load. I-10 is, obviously, a connecting point. We're getting a lot of traffic, more than what we've seen in the past couple of years. They have ultra-light planes flying out of Mexico and dropping off bundles and then illegals walking and picking them up."
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New Mexico State Police, who are investigating this case, haven’t released any new information regarding the Link murder.
Link celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary last year, and he is survived by children and grandchildren.
Continue reading on Examiner.com UPDATE: New Mexico rancher Larry Link murdered by illegal alien - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/breaking-new-mexico-rancher-larry-link-murdered-by-illegal-alien#ixzz1OheDotSj
Monday, June 6, 2011
U.S. Border Patrol seizes $3.5 million drug load near San Diego
Interior Border Patrol Agents did it again; they snagged $3.5 million in cocaine and marijuana behind a false wall located in a tractor trailer headed to San Diego.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to an Interstate 8 checkpoint just east of San Diego arrested a 25-year-old male, U.S. citizen, for smuggling more than 315 pounds of cocaine and 570 pounds of marijuana.
“Agents encountered the man, a resident of Los Angeles, on Friday, at about 11:15 p.m., as he arrived at the checkpoint driving a 1998 Freightliner truck with a trailer. A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the truck which resulted in a positive alert to the trailer and the driver was then referred for a secondary inspection,” according to Border Patrol Agent Michael Jimenez.
It was during secondary inspection when agents searched the front of the trailer and discovered a false wall made of metal and plywood. Agents discovered the drugs behind the plywood.
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The drugs were wrapped in cellophane. The agents collected 115 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of 315.59 pounds and an estimated street value of $3,156,000. “Agents also discovered eight metal boxes containing 570.22 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $342, 000,” Jimenez said.
The suspected drug smuggler was taken into custody and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation. The Freightliner truck and trailer used by the suspected smuggler were seized by Border Patrol.
Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 62,000 pounds of marijuana and 1,270 pounds of cocaine.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com U.S. Border Patrol seizes $3.5 million drug load near San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/u-s-border-patrol-seizes-3-5-million-drug-load-near-san-diego#ixzz1OYYhTc7S
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to an Interstate 8 checkpoint just east of San Diego arrested a 25-year-old male, U.S. citizen, for smuggling more than 315 pounds of cocaine and 570 pounds of marijuana.
“Agents encountered the man, a resident of Los Angeles, on Friday, at about 11:15 p.m., as he arrived at the checkpoint driving a 1998 Freightliner truck with a trailer. A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the truck which resulted in a positive alert to the trailer and the driver was then referred for a secondary inspection,” according to Border Patrol Agent Michael Jimenez.
It was during secondary inspection when agents searched the front of the trailer and discovered a false wall made of metal and plywood. Agents discovered the drugs behind the plywood.
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The drugs were wrapped in cellophane. The agents collected 115 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of 315.59 pounds and an estimated street value of $3,156,000. “Agents also discovered eight metal boxes containing 570.22 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $342, 000,” Jimenez said.
The suspected drug smuggler was taken into custody and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation. The Freightliner truck and trailer used by the suspected smuggler were seized by Border Patrol.
Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 62,000 pounds of marijuana and 1,270 pounds of cocaine.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com U.S. Border Patrol seizes $3.5 million drug load near San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/u-s-border-patrol-seizes-3-5-million-drug-load-near-san-diego#ixzz1OYYhTc7S
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
U.S./Mexico Border States continue to disrupt drug cartel activities
In a multi-agency operation, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Border Patrol’s “BORTAC Team 5” to deny, degrade, disrupt and dismantle drug and human-trafficking operations in Pinal County.
The week-long joint task force agencies arrested 60 suspects, seized 5,433 pounds of marijuana, collected $115,630 in cash, recovered five stolen vehicles and confiscated firearms.
“These multi agency details have a much greater impact than just in Pinal County,” Sheriff Paul Babeu explained. “Pinal County is the number one pass through county in America for drug and human trafficking because of the roadways and terrain.”
The Arizona Sheriff’s Office reported that the Mexican cartels have 75 to 100 lookout posts inside a known-drug and human-smuggling corridor.
“They (drug cartels) use these high vantage points to ensure their loads, whether they are humans or drugs, make it through,” Babeu said.
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While the final destination for some of these drug loads are Phoenix, many are headed to large cities throughout the United States.
“I appreciate the assistance provided by all of these law enforcement agencies to disrupt the cartels activities. We need this continuous law enforcement presence to help protect America until the border is truly secured,” Sheriff Babeu finished.
There were more than 15 state and federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Arizona crackdown on drug cartels.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com U.S./Mexico Border States continue to disrupt drug cartel activities - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/u-s-mexico-border-states-continue-to-disrupt-drug-cartel-activities#ixzz1NNnwY4pU
The week-long joint task force agencies arrested 60 suspects, seized 5,433 pounds of marijuana, collected $115,630 in cash, recovered five stolen vehicles and confiscated firearms.
“These multi agency details have a much greater impact than just in Pinal County,” Sheriff Paul Babeu explained. “Pinal County is the number one pass through county in America for drug and human trafficking because of the roadways and terrain.”
The Arizona Sheriff’s Office reported that the Mexican cartels have 75 to 100 lookout posts inside a known-drug and human-smuggling corridor.
“They (drug cartels) use these high vantage points to ensure their loads, whether they are humans or drugs, make it through,” Babeu said.
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While the final destination for some of these drug loads are Phoenix, many are headed to large cities throughout the United States.
“I appreciate the assistance provided by all of these law enforcement agencies to disrupt the cartels activities. We need this continuous law enforcement presence to help protect America until the border is truly secured,” Sheriff Babeu finished.
There were more than 15 state and federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Arizona crackdown on drug cartels.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com U.S./Mexico Border States continue to disrupt drug cartel activities - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/u-s-mexico-border-states-continue-to-disrupt-drug-cartel-activities#ixzz1NNnwY4pU
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Mexican cartels turn to the friendly skies to smuggle drugs using ultralights
The Mexican drug cartels have now taken to the friendly skies using ultra-light planes in order to smuggle their illicit narcotics into the United States.
There have been reports of 30-50 ultra-light flights per week just east of San Diego near Tecate, Mexico. However, Border Patrol Agent Michael Jimenez says the numbers of official reports are lower.
By using unskilled pilots to fly low and elude radar, cartels have found another method to smuggle 150-200 pounds of marijuana into the mountainous East San Diego terrain.
Agent Jimenez says the shift in smuggling efforts is a result of tougher enforcement on the ground. “The cartels have turned to this dangerous method of transportation because border security has improved.”
He also noted that this new smuggling method is a concern and they are working with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prosecute cases. “Our multi-agency teamwork, including the Mexican government, ensures that the U.S. is working aggressively to stop these smugglers,” Jimenez explained.
According to U.S. Border Patrol, records have been kept regarding ultralight incursions dating back to 2009. “In 2009 we had 118 confirmed events. 2010 showed an increase of ultralights to 228 and so far this year there have been 71 events through March,” he said.
Typically ultralights look a lot like hang gliders with engines attached and agents report they sound like a household lawnmower. Also these particular aircraft have been detected by U.S. Predator UAVs operated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol Agents said they have even seen crashed ultralight planes along the U.S./Mexico border region.
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The light-weight kit planes are easily purchased, relatively inexpensive and the cartels don’t need a combat pilot to traverse the U.S./Mexican border.
Quad City Ultralights advertises on their website that ultralights are reasonably priced at $20,000, about one quarter of the cost for a traditional plane. The only drawback for cartels is the ultralights don’t have the ability to transport drugs by the ton and most carry less than 300 pounds.
Once a novelty, ultralights have shifted the dynamic of Border Patrol tracking and smuggling rings.
Land owners along the southwest border have also seen and heard the drug cartel ultralights flying low and dropping their loads to waiting smugglers inside the U.S.
Jimenez urges residents who see or hear any unusual aircraft to call the Air and Marine Operations Center, who tracks all the radar along the southwest border, at 866-AIRBUST. All tips are kept confidential and authorities welcome information from residents along the border.
The only question remaining is who gets the frequent flyer miles?
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/secure-u-s-border-fence-fails-border-patrol-snags-7-drug-smugglers
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Mexican cartels turn to the friendly skies to smuggle drugs using ultralights - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/mexican-cartels-turn-to-the-friendly-skies-to-smuggle-drugs#ixzz1Mp4Wbevx
There have been reports of 30-50 ultra-light flights per week just east of San Diego near Tecate, Mexico. However, Border Patrol Agent Michael Jimenez says the numbers of official reports are lower.
By using unskilled pilots to fly low and elude radar, cartels have found another method to smuggle 150-200 pounds of marijuana into the mountainous East San Diego terrain.
Agent Jimenez says the shift in smuggling efforts is a result of tougher enforcement on the ground. “The cartels have turned to this dangerous method of transportation because border security has improved.”
He also noted that this new smuggling method is a concern and they are working with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prosecute cases. “Our multi-agency teamwork, including the Mexican government, ensures that the U.S. is working aggressively to stop these smugglers,” Jimenez explained.
According to U.S. Border Patrol, records have been kept regarding ultralight incursions dating back to 2009. “In 2009 we had 118 confirmed events. 2010 showed an increase of ultralights to 228 and so far this year there have been 71 events through March,” he said.
Typically ultralights look a lot like hang gliders with engines attached and agents report they sound like a household lawnmower. Also these particular aircraft have been detected by U.S. Predator UAVs operated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol Agents said they have even seen crashed ultralight planes along the U.S./Mexico border region.
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The light-weight kit planes are easily purchased, relatively inexpensive and the cartels don’t need a combat pilot to traverse the U.S./Mexican border.
Quad City Ultralights advertises on their website that ultralights are reasonably priced at $20,000, about one quarter of the cost for a traditional plane. The only drawback for cartels is the ultralights don’t have the ability to transport drugs by the ton and most carry less than 300 pounds.
Once a novelty, ultralights have shifted the dynamic of Border Patrol tracking and smuggling rings.
Land owners along the southwest border have also seen and heard the drug cartel ultralights flying low and dropping their loads to waiting smugglers inside the U.S.
Jimenez urges residents who see or hear any unusual aircraft to call the Air and Marine Operations Center, who tracks all the radar along the southwest border, at 866-AIRBUST. All tips are kept confidential and authorities welcome information from residents along the border.
The only question remaining is who gets the frequent flyer miles?
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/secure-u-s-border-fence-fails-border-patrol-snags-7-drug-smugglers
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Mexican cartels turn to the friendly skies to smuggle drugs using ultralights - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/mexican-cartels-turn-to-the-friendly-skies-to-smuggle-drugs#ixzz1Mp4Wbevx
Monday, May 9, 2011
Pinal County SWAT team discover drug cartel lookout posts
Despite pronouncements from Department of Homeland Security’s big “sis” Janet Napolitano that the southern U.S. border is “secure as ever,” the Pinal County SWAT team found several drug cartel lookout posts on the American side of the border.
The Pinal Regional SWAT team conducted a Desert Operation that focused on the interdiction of individuals/groups involved in smuggling of illicit drugs, illegal aliens, stolen vehicles, weapons, money and supplies for these activities.
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office remains aggressive in their approach to slow the trafficking of drug cartels as well as human smugglers. “This operation was in support of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to secure the area of the Sawtooth Mountains in preparation for a trash clean up,” said Tim Gaffney, media relations for Pinal County Sheriff Office.
During the operation, Pinal SWAT members assisted BLM employees by hiking to a suspected observation point that was being used to assist illegal smuggling organizations. “Once at this location, SWAT members located a sleeping bag, radio, two cell phones and associated trash,” Gaffney explained.
At another location SWAT members discovered a “load out area” (a meeting place where illegals gain transportation in the U.S.) along Interstate 8. The operation also led SWAT team members to another observation point that was used by suspected drug cartels.
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The desert operation that Pinal SWAT conducted also netted four “marijuana backpackers,” who turned out to be undocumented aliens. The SWAT team turned the apprehended illegal aliens over to the U.S. Border Patrol for processing.
The successful mission remains a big part of the Pinal County Sheriff Office’s plan to curtail drug and human smuggling rings that continue to plague Arizona’s sparse desert.
“We will continue to apply as much pressure as possible to disrupt, dismantle and destroy cartel activities in Pinal County,” said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. “The citizens of Mexico are not our enemy but rather the Mexican drug cartels that have little regard for their own government and even less respect for our laws. We will continue to conduct these operations to protect our citizens until the Federal Government does their job and secures our border.”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Pinal County SWAT team discover drug cartel lookout posts - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/pinal-county-swat-team-discover-drug-cartel-lookout-posts#ixzz1LsXiO4x0
The Pinal Regional SWAT team conducted a Desert Operation that focused on the interdiction of individuals/groups involved in smuggling of illicit drugs, illegal aliens, stolen vehicles, weapons, money and supplies for these activities.
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office remains aggressive in their approach to slow the trafficking of drug cartels as well as human smugglers. “This operation was in support of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to secure the area of the Sawtooth Mountains in preparation for a trash clean up,” said Tim Gaffney, media relations for Pinal County Sheriff Office.
During the operation, Pinal SWAT members assisted BLM employees by hiking to a suspected observation point that was being used to assist illegal smuggling organizations. “Once at this location, SWAT members located a sleeping bag, radio, two cell phones and associated trash,” Gaffney explained.
At another location SWAT members discovered a “load out area” (a meeting place where illegals gain transportation in the U.S.) along Interstate 8. The operation also led SWAT team members to another observation point that was used by suspected drug cartels.
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The desert operation that Pinal SWAT conducted also netted four “marijuana backpackers,” who turned out to be undocumented aliens. The SWAT team turned the apprehended illegal aliens over to the U.S. Border Patrol for processing.
The successful mission remains a big part of the Pinal County Sheriff Office’s plan to curtail drug and human smuggling rings that continue to plague Arizona’s sparse desert.
“We will continue to apply as much pressure as possible to disrupt, dismantle and destroy cartel activities in Pinal County,” said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. “The citizens of Mexico are not our enemy but rather the Mexican drug cartels that have little regard for their own government and even less respect for our laws. We will continue to conduct these operations to protect our citizens until the Federal Government does their job and secures our border.”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Pinal County SWAT team discover drug cartel lookout posts - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/pinal-county-swat-team-discover-drug-cartel-lookout-posts#ixzz1LsXiO4x0
Monday, April 25, 2011
IED device found outside Brownsville, Texas closes highway on Easter
The Brownsville Police Department confirmed reports that an IED device was disarmed by bomb disposal experts on Easter Sunday.
The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was located by a passerby who alerted authorities about the Highway 77/83 location. The scene of the IED bomb is located just 15 minutes north of the Texas/Mexico border.
Bomb squad personnel used a robot to successfully dismantle the explosive that closed the highway for several hours on Sunday afternoon.
Public Information Officer for the Brownsville Police Department, Eddie Garcia said the device had no detonation mechanism attached.
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However, authorities say they are taking the IED device seriously as Mexico has seen an increase in the use of bombs by the drug cartels in Mexico.
So far there are no leads in this case and an investigation is ongoing. Additional reports will be made available as officials release new details.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: IED device found outside Brownsville, Texas closes highway on Easter - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/ied-device-found-outside-brownsville-texas-closes-highway-on-easter#ixzz1Ka2dwjsa
The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was located by a passerby who alerted authorities about the Highway 77/83 location. The scene of the IED bomb is located just 15 minutes north of the Texas/Mexico border.
Bomb squad personnel used a robot to successfully dismantle the explosive that closed the highway for several hours on Sunday afternoon.
Public Information Officer for the Brownsville Police Department, Eddie Garcia said the device had no detonation mechanism attached.
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However, authorities say they are taking the IED device seriously as Mexico has seen an increase in the use of bombs by the drug cartels in Mexico.
So far there are no leads in this case and an investigation is ongoing. Additional reports will be made available as officials release new details.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: IED device found outside Brownsville, Texas closes highway on Easter - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/ied-device-found-outside-brownsville-texas-closes-highway-on-easter#ixzz1Ka2dwjsa
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Clone Border Patrol vehicle
The drug cartels are stepping up their smuggling tactics by customizing vehicles to look just like Border Patrol trucks as a way to smuggle illicit drugs into America. This time the cloned vehicle was detected in Texas and it was loaded with more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana.
Just a few weeks ago a white van with a dozen illegals were arrested at a San Diego Border Patrol checkpoint for falsely impersonating U.S. Marines and using a boosted van with tampered license plates.
It was Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that observed a suspicious BP truck “conducting surveillance at the Del Rio, Texas Port of Entry (PoE),” according to court papers.
The driver of the “fake BP truck” was Felipe Esparza-Cruz, 28, and he is scheduled to appear in court on April 14.
The government case contends that Esparza-Cruz entered the “United States without inspection through the City of Del Rio southbound tollbooth lanes.”
Once the truck entered the country ICE Agents ordered “mobile surveillance in order to verify the authenticity of the vehicle.”
Esparza-Cruz allegedly imitated a process used by Border Patrol when they deport illegal aliens back to Mexico using Border Patrol trucks. Luckily ICE agents observed the BP truck and were able to make the arrest.
“They’d just drive through without presenting themselves for inspection because no one questioned a Border Patrol vehicle,” officials explained.
Like the U.S. Marine imposter van impounded in San Diego, the fake Border Patrol truck’s phony license plates did the drug trafficker in.
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“Cloned vehicles, whether Border Patrol or some other frequently seen vehicle, are in my opinion, a serious threat,” says G. Alan Ferguson leader of the National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers and author of the M3 Report.
He also explained that “for years since 9/11, there have been alerts for terrorists using cloned or stolen vehicles such as ambulances and other cloned vehicles add one more factor in realizing how vulnerable we are.”
While the borders may be more secure than years past, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a long way to go when it comes to protecting the southern boundaries from human and drug smugglers. The increased border fence coupled with more Border Patrol Agents are now responsible for the Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) to spend more money to get their products into America.
Despite the illegality of human a drug trafficking, these “cartel” businesses in Mexico earn billions of tax-free dollars per year and the Mexican government has yet to stop the cartel’s barbaric violence that has taken more than 35,000 lives in the past four years.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Just a few weeks ago a white van with a dozen illegals were arrested at a San Diego Border Patrol checkpoint for falsely impersonating U.S. Marines and using a boosted van with tampered license plates.
It was Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that observed a suspicious BP truck “conducting surveillance at the Del Rio, Texas Port of Entry (PoE),” according to court papers.
The driver of the “fake BP truck” was Felipe Esparza-Cruz, 28, and he is scheduled to appear in court on April 14.
The government case contends that Esparza-Cruz entered the “United States without inspection through the City of Del Rio southbound tollbooth lanes.”
Once the truck entered the country ICE Agents ordered “mobile surveillance in order to verify the authenticity of the vehicle.”
Esparza-Cruz allegedly imitated a process used by Border Patrol when they deport illegal aliens back to Mexico using Border Patrol trucks. Luckily ICE agents observed the BP truck and were able to make the arrest.
“They’d just drive through without presenting themselves for inspection because no one questioned a Border Patrol vehicle,” officials explained.
Like the U.S. Marine imposter van impounded in San Diego, the fake Border Patrol truck’s phony license plates did the drug trafficker in.
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“Cloned vehicles, whether Border Patrol or some other frequently seen vehicle, are in my opinion, a serious threat,” says G. Alan Ferguson leader of the National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers and author of the M3 Report.
He also explained that “for years since 9/11, there have been alerts for terrorists using cloned or stolen vehicles such as ambulances and other cloned vehicles add one more factor in realizing how vulnerable we are.”
While the borders may be more secure than years past, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a long way to go when it comes to protecting the southern boundaries from human and drug smugglers. The increased border fence coupled with more Border Patrol Agents are now responsible for the Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) to spend more money to get their products into America.
Despite the illegality of human a drug trafficking, these “cartel” businesses in Mexico earn billions of tax-free dollars per year and the Mexican government has yet to stop the cartel’s barbaric violence that has taken more than 35,000 lives in the past four years.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Two Americans murdered in Tijuana waiting to reenter the U.S.
At the nation’s busiest port of entry Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California, two Americans were murdered as they waited in their car to reenter the United States.
The AP reports the victims were both carrying their U.S. passports making the identification process much easier. Their names were Kevin Romero, 28, and Sergio Salcido Luna, 25, their home cities were not disclosed.
The homicides happened in the early morning hours today near the Rio zone on the road that takes Americans back to U.S. port of entry.
Both American victims were shot in the head and authorities report that the car was riddled with bullet holes. Mexican state authorities said the Mazada B-500 pickup had California license plates and five 9 mm shell casings were recovered from the murder scene.
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Mexican officials have not determined the motive for the crime; however both men still had their wallets on them ruling out robbery.
There have been no arrests made for the double murder.
Tijuana, Mexico has seen an increase in murders since the start of the new year and four days into April the sister city to San Diego has already logged in five slayings.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
The AP reports the victims were both carrying their U.S. passports making the identification process much easier. Their names were Kevin Romero, 28, and Sergio Salcido Luna, 25, their home cities were not disclosed.
The homicides happened in the early morning hours today near the Rio zone on the road that takes Americans back to U.S. port of entry.
Both American victims were shot in the head and authorities report that the car was riddled with bullet holes. Mexican state authorities said the Mazada B-500 pickup had California license plates and five 9 mm shell casings were recovered from the murder scene.
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Mexican officials have not determined the motive for the crime; however both men still had their wallets on them ruling out robbery.
There have been no arrests made for the double murder.
Tijuana, Mexico has seen an increase in murders since the start of the new year and four days into April the sister city to San Diego has already logged in five slayings.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Gamers to get a new violent game- Call to Juarez: The Cartel
Violence south of the border is not a game in real life but the makers of a new video game, “Call to Juarez: The Cartel” are banking on the brutality of drug kingpins to lure gamers into coughing up $60 to play cartel assassins.
The new cartel shoot-them-up video game has angered some Mexican lawmakers who believe kids will get the wrong idea about the real-world war taking place in Juarez, Mexico.
“Call to Juarez,” is set to be released sometime this summer and is fashioned , after “Call of Duty” a modern-day solider-of-fortune best-selling video game based on the war in the Middle East.
However, FoxNewsLatinoreports that some Chihuahua state legislators said they have requested federal authorities ban "Call of Juarez: The Cartel," which depicts drug cartel shootouts in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez.
With more than 35,000 murders in the past four years, Mexico’s deadliest city, Juarez, had more than 6,000 murders in the last two years alone making it the most dangerous city in the world.
Game developer, UBISOFT Entertainment SA has posted previews on their website and opening scenes illustrate three characters armed with assault weapons ready to fight, maim and kill anyone in their way.
The video game’s catchphrase advises competitors to, “Take justice into your own hands and experience the lawlessness of the modern Wild West.”
Speaking out against the violent video game was Ricardo Boone Salmon, a Chihuahua state congressman, in Juarez, who said the Mexican state legislature unanimously approved a request this week asking the federal Interior Department to ban the sale of the game.
“It is true there is a serious crime situation, which we are not trying to hide,” Salmon said. “But we also should not expose children to this kind of scenarios so that they are going to grow up with this kind of image and lack of values.”
Other Mexican officials warned of the potential effects for kids in Ciudad Juarez, some of whom have been taught to “duck and cover” when gun battles erupt near their schools.
“Children wind up being easily involved in criminal acts over time, because among other things, during their childhood not enough care has been taken about what they see on television and playing video games,” Serrano said. “They believe so much blood and death is normal.”
Nevertheless, death and violence are daily happenings in Juarez and cartels continue to exert their power by murdering rival-cartels, innocent bystanders and law enforcement agents on both sides of the border. The lack of response by U.S. and Mexican officials will only serve to increase the murder rates as drug kingpins continue to act with impunity.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Gamers to get a new violent game- Call to Juarez: The Cartel - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/gamers-to-get-a-new-violent-game-call-to-juarez-the-cartel#ixzz1Ety0fuo7
The new cartel shoot-them-up video game has angered some Mexican lawmakers who believe kids will get the wrong idea about the real-world war taking place in Juarez, Mexico.
“Call to Juarez,” is set to be released sometime this summer and is fashioned , after “Call of Duty” a modern-day solider-of-fortune best-selling video game based on the war in the Middle East.
However, FoxNewsLatinoreports that some Chihuahua state legislators said they have requested federal authorities ban "Call of Juarez: The Cartel," which depicts drug cartel shootouts in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez.
With more than 35,000 murders in the past four years, Mexico’s deadliest city, Juarez, had more than 6,000 murders in the last two years alone making it the most dangerous city in the world.
Game developer, UBISOFT Entertainment SA has posted previews on their website and opening scenes illustrate three characters armed with assault weapons ready to fight, maim and kill anyone in their way.
The video game’s catchphrase advises competitors to, “Take justice into your own hands and experience the lawlessness of the modern Wild West.”
Speaking out against the violent video game was Ricardo Boone Salmon, a Chihuahua state congressman, in Juarez, who said the Mexican state legislature unanimously approved a request this week asking the federal Interior Department to ban the sale of the game.
“It is true there is a serious crime situation, which we are not trying to hide,” Salmon said. “But we also should not expose children to this kind of scenarios so that they are going to grow up with this kind of image and lack of values.”
Other Mexican officials warned of the potential effects for kids in Ciudad Juarez, some of whom have been taught to “duck and cover” when gun battles erupt near their schools.
“Children wind up being easily involved in criminal acts over time, because among other things, during their childhood not enough care has been taken about what they see on television and playing video games,” Serrano said. “They believe so much blood and death is normal.”
Nevertheless, death and violence are daily happenings in Juarez and cartels continue to exert their power by murdering rival-cartels, innocent bystanders and law enforcement agents on both sides of the border. The lack of response by U.S. and Mexican officials will only serve to increase the murder rates as drug kingpins continue to act with impunity.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Gamers to get a new violent game- Call to Juarez: The Cartel - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/gamers-to-get-a-new-violent-game-call-to-juarez-the-cartel#ixzz1Ety0fuo7
Friday, February 18, 2011
Fired former 'Minuteman' convicted in Arizona double murder
Shawna Forde, a rogue ex-minuteman border activist from Everett, Washington was convicted Monday of first degree murder for the double homicide of a suspected Mexican drug dealer, Raul Flores and his 9-year old daughter, Brisenia Flores in a home invasion that went terribly wrong.
The murders took place in May 2009 in the small border town of Arivaca, Arizona. The jury learned Forde had formed a criminal gang a few weeks earlier made up of several other criminals, radicals and local drug dealers to plan and execute a series of robberies of known-drug traffickers on the U.S. side of the border.
Gina Gonzales, the murder victim’s wife and mother gave the court her victim impact statement on Tuesday. She detailed for the court how she remembered that fateful day.
Gonzales described what she heard while she was on her living room floor. She explained that her husband was immediately shot as he answered the door and that she could hear her daughter answering questions about the rest of the family. The perpetrators told the little girl she would be okay. They lied.
Moments later 9-year-old, Brisenia, was shot at close range. “I miss my husband, I miss my daughter, I miss my family, I miss my life...and that's all because of a choice she (Forde) made,” Gonzales said in court.
The jury ruled on Tuesday that Forde is eligible for the death penalty.
Looking back
While illegal alien activists were quick to condemn the entire Minuteman border- watch movement because Forde was briefly a Minuteman member five years ago, the facts illustrate the real Minuteman and border security groups throughout the U.S. have a 6-year record of peaceful and law-abiding activism, including rescues and administering first aid to injured and distressed illegal aliens near the border.
In fact, the now-defunct national group Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC) based in Arizona, expelled Forde from their group in 2007 after she was caught misrepresenting herself as a leader in the group and partaking in other questionable activities.
In a statement released on Monday after the guilty verdict, former MCDC media relations director Dave Bertrand confirmed that “Forde's membership in MCDC was revoked in February 2007 and that she was warned to stay away from all MCDC border operations.”
Once Forde was kicked out of MCDC, the other mainstream border security groups refused to work with her and even warned other activists about her increasing erratic behavior and radical public statements.
Despite her tiny following, Forde continued to camp near the Arizona border where she posted constant Internet updates about the “invasion” of Mexican drug smugglers and her alleged run-ins with them.
Chelene Nightingale, coordinator for the SoCal Patriot Coalition and former California gubernatorial candidate, also tracked Forde before the murders and warned her members to stay clear of Forde. “The American Patriot and secure borders movement has always and will always strongly police their own groups to weed out any radicals, criminals, and mentally unstable individuals who try to join or infiltrate law-abiding political activist groups. Our message to Washington nearly six years ago when this movement started was simple, the American people just want our dangerous southern border with Mexico secured and our laws enforced equally," Nighingale said.
From bad to worse....
Forde’s shenanigans finally caught up with her in December 2008, when someone tried to kill her estranged husband, in Everett, WA after she returned from a border operation. He was shot several times at close range in his home by unknown assassins, but miraculously survived.
Forde claimed she had nothing to do with the assault; however their divorce was only a few weeks away from being finalized. She even posted on her website that Mexican drug cartels were responsible for the attempted hit.
However, Forde was never interviewed by the Everett Police, despite several requests made by the department. She eventually left town without being questioned about the attempted murder of her husband. According to reporter Scott North at the Everett Herald, who has been following Forde’s activities for years, “Court papers showed that Shawna Forde has from the outset been suspected of somehow being involved in her (husbands’) attack.”
Immediately after her husband had been shot, Forde claimed that MS-13 gang members were targeting her family and behind the attempted murder of her husband. However, many border advocates were suspicious of her claims which prompted Forde to then claim a week later that MS-13 gang members had broken into her home, beaten, raped and sodomized her.
Shortly after she spoke about the MS-13 gang attack, Forde posted numerous pictures of herself on her website. Many were semi-nude showing dark bruises and possible scrapes on various parts of her body.
However, Everett Police were unable find any evidence of her claims and determined that she had most likely made up the whole story.
Once news broke about the attempted murder of Forde’s husband and the alleged attack on Forde, several prominent Minuteman leaders began to suspect Forde was in serious trouble in Everett, WA.
Founder of the San Diego Minutemen, Jeff Schwilk, suspected Forde’s story was unraveling quickly and said she was trying to garner sympathy by making-up attacks by Mexican gang members.
In early 2009, Forde also claimed she was shot in a dark alley. However, according to the Everett Police Department there was never any evidence to back-up her claim. Then, in mid-January 2009, two weeks after she claimed she was raped, Forde was shot in her arm in a dark alley and claimed unknown assailants drove up and shot her. Again Everett Police found no evidence of an attack and believe Forde may have staged the shooting.
Schwilk said, “After that third alleged violent incident most leaders in the border security movement concluded Forde was staging these alleged attacks in an effort to convince people that the Mexican drug cartels were now targeting border activists.” Forde used these incidents to recruit border watchers for her planned border mission in Arizona in the spring.
It would be April 2009 when Forde would migrate back to southern Arizona and resume her “border operations.”
Forde was forced to recruit for her new crew using her Internet network of criminals and known drug-trade peddlers. Under Forde’s direction, her newly-formed group began plotting home invasions to fund their future border operations.
Raul Flores, the murder victim, was believed to be Forde’s first foray into the robbery business, but it turned deadly and ultimately led to her downfall. Forde and her two accomplices were arrested within two weeks of the murders. Jason Bush and Albert Gaxiola are expected to begin their murder trials in March and June respectively. Neither of these men had any Minuteman involvement.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Fired former Minuteman convicted in Arizona double murder may get death penalty - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/fired-former-minuteman-convicted-arizona-double-murder#ixzz1ELgV4mgh
The murders took place in May 2009 in the small border town of Arivaca, Arizona. The jury learned Forde had formed a criminal gang a few weeks earlier made up of several other criminals, radicals and local drug dealers to plan and execute a series of robberies of known-drug traffickers on the U.S. side of the border.
Gina Gonzales, the murder victim’s wife and mother gave the court her victim impact statement on Tuesday. She detailed for the court how she remembered that fateful day.
Gonzales described what she heard while she was on her living room floor. She explained that her husband was immediately shot as he answered the door and that she could hear her daughter answering questions about the rest of the family. The perpetrators told the little girl she would be okay. They lied.
Moments later 9-year-old, Brisenia, was shot at close range. “I miss my husband, I miss my daughter, I miss my family, I miss my life...and that's all because of a choice she (Forde) made,” Gonzales said in court.
The jury ruled on Tuesday that Forde is eligible for the death penalty.
Looking back
While illegal alien activists were quick to condemn the entire Minuteman border- watch movement because Forde was briefly a Minuteman member five years ago, the facts illustrate the real Minuteman and border security groups throughout the U.S. have a 6-year record of peaceful and law-abiding activism, including rescues and administering first aid to injured and distressed illegal aliens near the border.
In fact, the now-defunct national group Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC) based in Arizona, expelled Forde from their group in 2007 after she was caught misrepresenting herself as a leader in the group and partaking in other questionable activities.
In a statement released on Monday after the guilty verdict, former MCDC media relations director Dave Bertrand confirmed that “Forde's membership in MCDC was revoked in February 2007 and that she was warned to stay away from all MCDC border operations.”
Once Forde was kicked out of MCDC, the other mainstream border security groups refused to work with her and even warned other activists about her increasing erratic behavior and radical public statements.
Despite her tiny following, Forde continued to camp near the Arizona border where she posted constant Internet updates about the “invasion” of Mexican drug smugglers and her alleged run-ins with them.
Chelene Nightingale, coordinator for the SoCal Patriot Coalition and former California gubernatorial candidate, also tracked Forde before the murders and warned her members to stay clear of Forde. “The American Patriot and secure borders movement has always and will always strongly police their own groups to weed out any radicals, criminals, and mentally unstable individuals who try to join or infiltrate law-abiding political activist groups. Our message to Washington nearly six years ago when this movement started was simple, the American people just want our dangerous southern border with Mexico secured and our laws enforced equally," Nighingale said.
From bad to worse....
Forde’s shenanigans finally caught up with her in December 2008, when someone tried to kill her estranged husband, in Everett, WA after she returned from a border operation. He was shot several times at close range in his home by unknown assassins, but miraculously survived.
Forde claimed she had nothing to do with the assault; however their divorce was only a few weeks away from being finalized. She even posted on her website that Mexican drug cartels were responsible for the attempted hit.
However, Forde was never interviewed by the Everett Police, despite several requests made by the department. She eventually left town without being questioned about the attempted murder of her husband. According to reporter Scott North at the Everett Herald, who has been following Forde’s activities for years, “Court papers showed that Shawna Forde has from the outset been suspected of somehow being involved in her (husbands’) attack.”
Immediately after her husband had been shot, Forde claimed that MS-13 gang members were targeting her family and behind the attempted murder of her husband. However, many border advocates were suspicious of her claims which prompted Forde to then claim a week later that MS-13 gang members had broken into her home, beaten, raped and sodomized her.
Shortly after she spoke about the MS-13 gang attack, Forde posted numerous pictures of herself on her website. Many were semi-nude showing dark bruises and possible scrapes on various parts of her body.
However, Everett Police were unable find any evidence of her claims and determined that she had most likely made up the whole story.
Once news broke about the attempted murder of Forde’s husband and the alleged attack on Forde, several prominent Minuteman leaders began to suspect Forde was in serious trouble in Everett, WA.
Founder of the San Diego Minutemen, Jeff Schwilk, suspected Forde’s story was unraveling quickly and said she was trying to garner sympathy by making-up attacks by Mexican gang members.
In early 2009, Forde also claimed she was shot in a dark alley. However, according to the Everett Police Department there was never any evidence to back-up her claim. Then, in mid-January 2009, two weeks after she claimed she was raped, Forde was shot in her arm in a dark alley and claimed unknown assailants drove up and shot her. Again Everett Police found no evidence of an attack and believe Forde may have staged the shooting.
Schwilk said, “After that third alleged violent incident most leaders in the border security movement concluded Forde was staging these alleged attacks in an effort to convince people that the Mexican drug cartels were now targeting border activists.” Forde used these incidents to recruit border watchers for her planned border mission in Arizona in the spring.
It would be April 2009 when Forde would migrate back to southern Arizona and resume her “border operations.”
Forde was forced to recruit for her new crew using her Internet network of criminals and known drug-trade peddlers. Under Forde’s direction, her newly-formed group began plotting home invasions to fund their future border operations.
Raul Flores, the murder victim, was believed to be Forde’s first foray into the robbery business, but it turned deadly and ultimately led to her downfall. Forde and her two accomplices were arrested within two weeks of the murders. Jason Bush and Albert Gaxiola are expected to begin their murder trials in March and June respectively. Neither of these men had any Minuteman involvement.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Fired former Minuteman convicted in Arizona double murder may get death penalty - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/fired-former-minuteman-convicted-arizona-double-murder#ixzz1ELgV4mgh
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Drug cartels ambush American photographer south of Nogales
On January 25, an American photographer narrowly escaped death when he was ambushed by cartel members and led the henchmen on a high-speed chase to the International Border Zone, just south of Nogales, Arizona.
Matthew Besinger, a Los Angeles-based photographer was working on a photograph book about the Sonoran desert when he was ambushed by four young men. His vehicle suffered significant damage during his daring escape which ended at the U.S./Mexico border near Nogales.
Nogales Department of Homeland Security spokesman, Juan Osorio confirmed an incident took place regarding Besinger, but would not comment on the details.
The Tucson Sector DHS Public Affairs officer, Brian Levin also confirmed Besinger came through the Nogales port, went through secondary, had his car searched and listened to his story. However, since the incident took place in Mexico Levin says they have no way of proving what may or may not have happened.
In related news, American missionary, Nancy Davis was not as lucky as Besinger. She was murdered as her husband fled the scene of heavily-armed drug cartel gangsters. Davis was shot in the head, taken to a hospital near Reynosa and was pronounced dead 90-minutes later.
"The gunmen were attempting to stop them and the victims accelerated in efforts of getting away from them," a police statement read. "At a certain point the gunmen discharged a weapon at the victim's vehicle and a bullet struck the victim Nancy Shuman Davis in the head."
According to a CNN report, Davis' husband, immediately drove his truck "at high rate of speed" to the Pharr International Bridge near the Rio Grande. Pharr Police said, "They had been in touch with Mexican authorities, who said they were investigating the shooting. The Texas Department of Public Safety, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are also assisting police.”
The following is an account of the horrifying cartel ambush as told by Matt Besinger;
“Last night I was ambushed in my car by four men at gunpoint in Nogales, Sonora (Mexico). I managed to elude them and make my way back to the International Zone before I was robbed or murdered. This occurred within blocks of the Arizona border.
I'm a fine art photographer from Los Angeles working on a book about the Sonoran Desert. I lived in Tucson for 14 years and studied Poetry at University of Arizona. The photographs are being shot at night and I've visited many of Arizona border towns.
I was driving up the hill on the east side of the border (in Mexico). There's a street that climbs the hill named Buenos Aires. The hilltop offers a view of the wall and the landscape of Southern Arizona. After passing the lone hot dog stand, an approaching white sedan veered toward my car. There were four guys in the car and a fifth trailing on foot. They put a hand-held police light (blue/red) on their dash and screamed at me to get out of the car. Their behavior was totally erratic, especially since the rest of the town was dead.
Luckily, I had seen Nogales Police on Adolfo López Mateos and I remembered they wore green jackets, patches, badges, etc. These guys did not match. I angled my car around theirs and sped up the hill. Knowing that I would just rise deeper into the Buenos Aries neighborhood, I turned around. The street is super-tight and it requires a three-point U-turn. By the time I was going back down the hill, they were within 100-feet of me.
This time they aimed their car straight for mine. We both stopped short of a head-on collision. There were just the four guys at this point and they all jumped out of the car. Some had handguns on belts and a few had homemade bullet-proof vests. There wasn't one signifier or uniform, no camouflage, they were all super-young, and some wore T-Shirts and street clothes. They looked like high-schoolers dressed for Paramilitary Day.
When the last guy made his way from the sedan- he aimed a machine gun at my windshield- I dropped my torso under all of the windows and pressed on the gas as hard as I could. I managed to avoid all four guys and squeeze between their sedan and the block wall on the street's edge. My car launched down the side of Buenos Aires, the undercarriage hitting everything. I knew (I had) to get on Adolfo Ruiz Cortines heading south in order to eventually get back to the International Exit.
Lucky again, Buenos Aires is so tight that I had a decent lead on the sedan- they lost a good 15 seconds regrouping, turning around. After I made a few more U-turns I was headed north on Plutarco Elías Calles (the International Exit road), about a half-mile from the border. The sedan sped by on the other side of the street but they still had a couple of U-turns before they'd catch me. When I got close to the border I was doing almost 70mph. Then a van started to trail me with police lights. It looked like the Nogales Police, but I wasn't about to stop and find out.
I slowed-up near the International Exit traffic and drove straight through all of the speed bumps/plastic barricades to the booth of a Homeland Security Officer. I asked if he was American- he said "yes." I threw my hands in the air, told him I had almost been murdered, was handcuffed and brought to their Detention Room. There was some light questioning, my car was searched- none of it bothered me. I was happy to be alive.
Homeland Security said a drug cartel runs the Buenos Aires neighborhood. The cartel is so violent that the Nogales Police no longer monitors or patrols those streets. They recognized my description of the events and said that it was definitely the cartel. They also claimed that if I had stepped out of my car, I would have been robbed or murdered.
The US Department of State raises plenty of warnings about the border areas and virtually describes exactly what happened to me here. But the US Embassy only warns of "unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila." These ambushes probably happen more than they're ever reported. No report of my incident was made. Homeland Security did not allow the Nogales Police to gain access to me- and nothing will be done about what happened. There have been horrific murders of Americans in Sonora and I think the local news should press its viewers to stop visiting Nogales altogether- I was very lucky.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, a travel advisory was removed in September of 2010 and only warns Americans traveling south of the border to exercise caution.
A month later, in October, David Hartley was murdered on Falcon Lake, which straddles the U.S./Mexico border. He and his wife were trying to escape heavily-armed drug cartel members on Jet Skis-David was struck by a bullet and his body was never recovered.
Check back for updates on the story...
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Drug cartels ambush American photographer south of Nogales - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/american-photographer-dodged-death-by-drug-cartels-after-high-speed-chase#ixzz1CH6i46wG
Matthew Besinger, a Los Angeles-based photographer was working on a photograph book about the Sonoran desert when he was ambushed by four young men. His vehicle suffered significant damage during his daring escape which ended at the U.S./Mexico border near Nogales.
Nogales Department of Homeland Security spokesman, Juan Osorio confirmed an incident took place regarding Besinger, but would not comment on the details.
The Tucson Sector DHS Public Affairs officer, Brian Levin also confirmed Besinger came through the Nogales port, went through secondary, had his car searched and listened to his story. However, since the incident took place in Mexico Levin says they have no way of proving what may or may not have happened.
In related news, American missionary, Nancy Davis was not as lucky as Besinger. She was murdered as her husband fled the scene of heavily-armed drug cartel gangsters. Davis was shot in the head, taken to a hospital near Reynosa and was pronounced dead 90-minutes later.
"The gunmen were attempting to stop them and the victims accelerated in efforts of getting away from them," a police statement read. "At a certain point the gunmen discharged a weapon at the victim's vehicle and a bullet struck the victim Nancy Shuman Davis in the head."
According to a CNN report, Davis' husband, immediately drove his truck "at high rate of speed" to the Pharr International Bridge near the Rio Grande. Pharr Police said, "They had been in touch with Mexican authorities, who said they were investigating the shooting. The Texas Department of Public Safety, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are also assisting police.”
The following is an account of the horrifying cartel ambush as told by Matt Besinger;
“Last night I was ambushed in my car by four men at gunpoint in Nogales, Sonora (Mexico). I managed to elude them and make my way back to the International Zone before I was robbed or murdered. This occurred within blocks of the Arizona border.
I'm a fine art photographer from Los Angeles working on a book about the Sonoran Desert. I lived in Tucson for 14 years and studied Poetry at University of Arizona. The photographs are being shot at night and I've visited many of Arizona border towns.
I was driving up the hill on the east side of the border (in Mexico). There's a street that climbs the hill named Buenos Aires. The hilltop offers a view of the wall and the landscape of Southern Arizona. After passing the lone hot dog stand, an approaching white sedan veered toward my car. There were four guys in the car and a fifth trailing on foot. They put a hand-held police light (blue/red) on their dash and screamed at me to get out of the car. Their behavior was totally erratic, especially since the rest of the town was dead.
Luckily, I had seen Nogales Police on Adolfo López Mateos and I remembered they wore green jackets, patches, badges, etc. These guys did not match. I angled my car around theirs and sped up the hill. Knowing that I would just rise deeper into the Buenos Aries neighborhood, I turned around. The street is super-tight and it requires a three-point U-turn. By the time I was going back down the hill, they were within 100-feet of me.
This time they aimed their car straight for mine. We both stopped short of a head-on collision. There were just the four guys at this point and they all jumped out of the car. Some had handguns on belts and a few had homemade bullet-proof vests. There wasn't one signifier or uniform, no camouflage, they were all super-young, and some wore T-Shirts and street clothes. They looked like high-schoolers dressed for Paramilitary Day.
When the last guy made his way from the sedan- he aimed a machine gun at my windshield- I dropped my torso under all of the windows and pressed on the gas as hard as I could. I managed to avoid all four guys and squeeze between their sedan and the block wall on the street's edge. My car launched down the side of Buenos Aires, the undercarriage hitting everything. I knew (I had) to get on Adolfo Ruiz Cortines heading south in order to eventually get back to the International Exit.
Lucky again, Buenos Aires is so tight that I had a decent lead on the sedan- they lost a good 15 seconds regrouping, turning around. After I made a few more U-turns I was headed north on Plutarco Elías Calles (the International Exit road), about a half-mile from the border. The sedan sped by on the other side of the street but they still had a couple of U-turns before they'd catch me. When I got close to the border I was doing almost 70mph. Then a van started to trail me with police lights. It looked like the Nogales Police, but I wasn't about to stop and find out.
I slowed-up near the International Exit traffic and drove straight through all of the speed bumps/plastic barricades to the booth of a Homeland Security Officer. I asked if he was American- he said "yes." I threw my hands in the air, told him I had almost been murdered, was handcuffed and brought to their Detention Room. There was some light questioning, my car was searched- none of it bothered me. I was happy to be alive.
Homeland Security said a drug cartel runs the Buenos Aires neighborhood. The cartel is so violent that the Nogales Police no longer monitors or patrols those streets. They recognized my description of the events and said that it was definitely the cartel. They also claimed that if I had stepped out of my car, I would have been robbed or murdered.
The US Department of State raises plenty of warnings about the border areas and virtually describes exactly what happened to me here. But the US Embassy only warns of "unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila." These ambushes probably happen more than they're ever reported. No report of my incident was made. Homeland Security did not allow the Nogales Police to gain access to me- and nothing will be done about what happened. There have been horrific murders of Americans in Sonora and I think the local news should press its viewers to stop visiting Nogales altogether- I was very lucky.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, a travel advisory was removed in September of 2010 and only warns Americans traveling south of the border to exercise caution.
A month later, in October, David Hartley was murdered on Falcon Lake, which straddles the U.S./Mexico border. He and his wife were trying to escape heavily-armed drug cartel members on Jet Skis-David was struck by a bullet and his body was never recovered.
Check back for updates on the story...
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Drug cartels ambush American photographer south of Nogales - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/american-photographer-dodged-death-by-drug-cartels-after-high-speed-chase#ixzz1CH6i46wG
Friday, December 3, 2010
Mexico arrests a 14-year-old U.S. citizen cartel killer
A 14-year-old U.S. citizen with ties to San Diego was arrested by Mexican authorities who charged the young boy was responsible for the murders of cartel enemies and a couple of the killings even involved beheadings.
The boy is suspected of working for the South Pacific Cartel run by Hector Beltran Leyva who took over the cartel after his brother, a major cartel kingpin was killed by Mexican Marines a year ago.
Military personnel captured the young murder suspect at the Cuernavaca airport where he was trying to board a plane headed to the United States border with his 16-year-old sister. Authorities say the boy was headed to California where his mother lives.
The 14-year-old’s cartel moniker is El Ponchis (The Cloak).
After his arrest the cartel killer was taken to a regional attorney generals office. The boy admitted that he had participated in at least four decapitations, claiming that he was “drugged by the gang and under threat that if I didn't [participate], they would kill me.”
According to Morelos Gov. Marco Adame Castillo the U.S. killer was born in San Diego, California.
The boy’s sister told reporters they intended to cross the San Diego border to escape the cartels, according to the Associated Press.
The attorney general for Morelos state said the two suspects were turned over to state authorities who handle crimes committed by minors in Mexico.
It was not immediately known if the 14-year-old boy was a Mexican national as well.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2010Kimberly Dvorak all rights reserved
The boy is suspected of working for the South Pacific Cartel run by Hector Beltran Leyva who took over the cartel after his brother, a major cartel kingpin was killed by Mexican Marines a year ago.
Military personnel captured the young murder suspect at the Cuernavaca airport where he was trying to board a plane headed to the United States border with his 16-year-old sister. Authorities say the boy was headed to California where his mother lives.
The 14-year-old’s cartel moniker is El Ponchis (The Cloak).
After his arrest the cartel killer was taken to a regional attorney generals office. The boy admitted that he had participated in at least four decapitations, claiming that he was “drugged by the gang and under threat that if I didn't [participate], they would kill me.”
According to Morelos Gov. Marco Adame Castillo the U.S. killer was born in San Diego, California.
The boy’s sister told reporters they intended to cross the San Diego border to escape the cartels, according to the Associated Press.
The attorney general for Morelos state said the two suspects were turned over to state authorities who handle crimes committed by minors in Mexico.
It was not immediately known if the 14-year-old boy was a Mexican national as well.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2010Kimberly Dvorak all rights reserved
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Up in smoke? California’s quest to legalize pot
Get enough signatures to get Proposition 19 on the California ballot- check. Raise enough money to educate the voters- check. Convince dark blue Californians that legalizing marijuana is a good idea- not so easy.
Proposition 19 is a ballot initiative that would effectively end prohibition of marijuana production, possession, and consumption. While the little green plant would be under some restrictions statewide, it would be up to individual cities to write the rules of enforcement.
The proposition was the creation of Richard Lee, an Oakland marijuana entrepreneur who spent more than $1.5 million to draft legislation and convince voters of the benefits if pot is legalized. The campaign has attracted some high-profile names like George Soros who donated money to the legalize marijuana campaign.
Billionaire Soros penned an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal discussing his reason for donating money to the campaign for legalization of pot.
"Proposition 19 already is a winner no matter what happens on Election Day. The mere fact of its being on the ballot has elevated and legitimized public discourse about marijuana and marijuana policy in ways I could not have imagined a year ago," Soros wrote. "Just as the process of repealing national alcohol prohibition began with individual states repealing their own prohibition laws, so individual states must now take the initiative with respect to repealing marijuana prohibition laws."
Those who favor legalization claim tax-revenue funds would be used to combat minor marijuana crime and allow law enforcement to focus on serious crimes. Another claim proponents are touting are the billions in tax revenue that could be generated from the sale of pot.
Those opposed to legalization of marijuana explain the voters are being sold a bill of goods about the increased tax revenue and organizers are downplaying the addiction rates. Opponents also contend that smoking pot will lead to more drug abuse and create other dangers like driving under the influence, encourage illicit drug activity south of the border and increase petty crime.
In a San Diego Union Tribune op-ed story titled- Prop. 19: The promise is not the reality, the San Diego District Attorney, Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff William Gore spotlights the perils of legalizing marijuana.
“The ‘bait and switch’ is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Unfortunately, it’s being used again by proponents of Proposition 19, the initiative on the Nov. 2 ballot that would legalize marijuana. Voters are being misled by this poorly written initiative that promises one thing but delivers something very different,” the opinion begins.
Dumanis and Gore say the truth about Proposition 19 is it will not regulate or tax pot as its authors contend, but it will shoulder the burden on local governments to create the legal framework and then enforce the rules at a very costly expense to cities in California who are already struggling with deepening budget deficits.
The end result will be a confusing patchwork of laws and zero revenue for the state of California.
Opponents describe a number of flaws contained in the proposition. Imagine you are headed home after a long day at the office and you get into a car accident, but the driver tests negative for alcohol; he may be high and cops have no way to determine at the scene if marijuana was the culprit, plus passengers in the car can smoke while driving.
Another dilemma voters need to consider with Proposition 19 is the ability to grow marijuana at home. “Prop 19 would have a decidedly negative impact on our neighborhoods. The law would allow each person living at a residence to grow 25 square feet of pot. Grow houses would pop up all over the county and bring increased foot traffic along with them. Property values would go down,” the San Diego Union Tribune article said.
Dumanis claims “the ballot measure could prevent an employer from firing an employee who is under the influence of marijuana. Employees would be able to smoke marijuana during their work day. Employers may not be able to maintain a drug-free workplace, potentially violating the provisions of the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and jeopardizing millions of dollars in federal funding.”
Proposition 19 may seem like a good idea by promising to save money through fewer prosecutions, but law enforcement in San Diego aren’t buying the claim and say possession of small amounts of marijuana now is already a minor offense punishable by a $100 fine and no time in jail.
“As prosecutors, we’re not spending a large amount of time or money on these cases because offenders typically just pay the fine,” Dumanis said. Also leading think tanks contend that for every one dollar collected in revenue, nine dollars is required to cover rehabilitation costs.
Opponents of the measure say drug cartels will not be driven out of business by this initiative. Legalizing marijuana will only make cartels richer and more violent as competition grows. Illegal drug dealers would be forced to sell to the only market left– kids under 21 years old.
Latin American leaders fail to see any positives with America legalizing marijuana. "It is confusing for our people to see that while we have lost lives and we invest vast resources in the drug war, in the consumer countries they promote proposals like the Californian referendum to legalize the production, the sale and the consumption of marijuana," said Columbia President Juan Manual Santos.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon concurs. "They (the Americans) have a clear responsibility in this because they are providing the market for the drug dealers and the criminals.”
As for California’s lawmakers most are against the measure; including both candidates for Governor, Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman, Senator Diane Feinstein and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Joining them is the California Chamber of Commerce, Crime Victims United, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Coalition for a Drug-Free America, Fight Crime Invest in Kids and the North Coastal Prevention.
On the flipside the folks who wrote the ballot imitative see things much differently. The following are some of the provisions contained in Proposition 19;
• Control cannabis like alcohol, allowing adults 21 and over in California to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, to be consumed at home or licensed establishments
• Give state and local governments the ability to tax the sale of cannabis for adult consumption
• Put our police priorities where they belong, by ending the arrests of non-violent cannabis consumers, saving hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars a year and enabling police to focus on violent crime
• Generate billions in annual revenue to fund what matters most in California: jobs, healthcare, public safety, parks, roads, transportation, and more
• Cut off funding to violent drug cartels across our border who currently generate 60 percent of their revenue from the illegal U.S. marijuana market
• Protect our kids, our roads, and our workplaces, by increasing the penalty for selling marijuana to minors, banning the smoking of marijuana in public, on school grounds, and while minors are present, maintaining strict criminal penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana, and preserving employers’ rights to maintain drug-free workplaces
• Protect medical cannabis patients’ rights
Political leaders on both ides of the political spectrum are monitoring the proposition to see if this proposition motivates younger voters to hit the polling booths. The possibility of legalizing pot even spurred the RAND Corporation to open an academic study titled: Reducing Drug Trafficking and Violence in Mexico – Would Legalizing Marijuana in California Help?
The authors concluded in their study; “Our best guess (this is the most important word in the RAND study) is that legalizing marijuana production in California would wipe out essentially all DTO (Drug Trafficking Organization) marijuana revenues from selling Mexican marijuana to California users; however, the share of Mexican marijuana in the United States that comes from Mexico to California is no more than one-seventh of all Mexican imports.”
According to a story from Reuters, the researchers found the drug cartels’ marijuana business in the United States could evaporate if high-quality marijuana from California was diverted from legal production and smuggled to the rest of the country. However that premises that California growers were willing to break the law and sell their product illegally to other dealers throughout America.
Looking to see what the underworld of drugs produces one only need to look to Mexico and see that over the past three-and-a half years in Mexico illegal drugs are responsible for nearly 30,000 murders. Scholars also admit that “it is unclear whether reductions in Mexican DTOs’ revenues would lead to corresponding decrease in violence…The effect of reducing DTO marijuana revenues on violence is a matter of conjecture.”
The topic of legalization has even sparked debate in Mexico where the drug cartels have ravaged its government and enemies alike in order to get their billion dollar industry products into the coveted United States market.
The General Director of the “El Mezon” Rehabilitation Center, Luis Serrano Quintero, said that if California legalizes marijuana on November 2nd, “Crime in Tijuana could be unleashed.”
Quintero said drug addicts could get “drugged up” in the United States and return to Tijuana to commit crimes. “We know for a fact that legalization of marijuana in California will adversely affect our communities in Tijuana and Baja California, and they need to consider that reforming their drug laws will affect us,” Quintero concluded.
Since San Diego shares a border with Tijuana, Mexico it has a lot at stake regarding illicit drugs, border violence, drug cartels and illegal immigration. If Proposition 19 finds favor with the voters, San Diegans will mostly likely see the effects of pot sales first. Keeping this in mind, the San Diego City Counsel unanimously signed a resolution to not endorse Proposition 19.
"It is encouraging to see San Diego's elected leaders on both sides of the political spectrum stepping up to the plate to oppose California becoming a pothead culture and the nation's drug dealer," said Lee Lambert, Southern California field representative for MarijuanaHarmsFamilies.com. “Marijuana legalization would bring in very little tax revenue, but would cost much more in teenage drug addictions, family problems, workplace accidents, and drugged driving DUIs.”
Either way you look at it Proposition 19 will stir debate about America’s drug use and hopefully draw attention to the country-wide instability created by drug cartels in Mexico.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
Proposition 19 is a ballot initiative that would effectively end prohibition of marijuana production, possession, and consumption. While the little green plant would be under some restrictions statewide, it would be up to individual cities to write the rules of enforcement.
The proposition was the creation of Richard Lee, an Oakland marijuana entrepreneur who spent more than $1.5 million to draft legislation and convince voters of the benefits if pot is legalized. The campaign has attracted some high-profile names like George Soros who donated money to the legalize marijuana campaign.
Billionaire Soros penned an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal discussing his reason for donating money to the campaign for legalization of pot.
"Proposition 19 already is a winner no matter what happens on Election Day. The mere fact of its being on the ballot has elevated and legitimized public discourse about marijuana and marijuana policy in ways I could not have imagined a year ago," Soros wrote. "Just as the process of repealing national alcohol prohibition began with individual states repealing their own prohibition laws, so individual states must now take the initiative with respect to repealing marijuana prohibition laws."
Those who favor legalization claim tax-revenue funds would be used to combat minor marijuana crime and allow law enforcement to focus on serious crimes. Another claim proponents are touting are the billions in tax revenue that could be generated from the sale of pot.
Those opposed to legalization of marijuana explain the voters are being sold a bill of goods about the increased tax revenue and organizers are downplaying the addiction rates. Opponents also contend that smoking pot will lead to more drug abuse and create other dangers like driving under the influence, encourage illicit drug activity south of the border and increase petty crime.
In a San Diego Union Tribune op-ed story titled- Prop. 19: The promise is not the reality, the San Diego District Attorney, Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff William Gore spotlights the perils of legalizing marijuana.
“The ‘bait and switch’ is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Unfortunately, it’s being used again by proponents of Proposition 19, the initiative on the Nov. 2 ballot that would legalize marijuana. Voters are being misled by this poorly written initiative that promises one thing but delivers something very different,” the opinion begins.
Dumanis and Gore say the truth about Proposition 19 is it will not regulate or tax pot as its authors contend, but it will shoulder the burden on local governments to create the legal framework and then enforce the rules at a very costly expense to cities in California who are already struggling with deepening budget deficits.
The end result will be a confusing patchwork of laws and zero revenue for the state of California.
Opponents describe a number of flaws contained in the proposition. Imagine you are headed home after a long day at the office and you get into a car accident, but the driver tests negative for alcohol; he may be high and cops have no way to determine at the scene if marijuana was the culprit, plus passengers in the car can smoke while driving.
Another dilemma voters need to consider with Proposition 19 is the ability to grow marijuana at home. “Prop 19 would have a decidedly negative impact on our neighborhoods. The law would allow each person living at a residence to grow 25 square feet of pot. Grow houses would pop up all over the county and bring increased foot traffic along with them. Property values would go down,” the San Diego Union Tribune article said.
Dumanis claims “the ballot measure could prevent an employer from firing an employee who is under the influence of marijuana. Employees would be able to smoke marijuana during their work day. Employers may not be able to maintain a drug-free workplace, potentially violating the provisions of the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and jeopardizing millions of dollars in federal funding.”
Proposition 19 may seem like a good idea by promising to save money through fewer prosecutions, but law enforcement in San Diego aren’t buying the claim and say possession of small amounts of marijuana now is already a minor offense punishable by a $100 fine and no time in jail.
“As prosecutors, we’re not spending a large amount of time or money on these cases because offenders typically just pay the fine,” Dumanis said. Also leading think tanks contend that for every one dollar collected in revenue, nine dollars is required to cover rehabilitation costs.
Opponents of the measure say drug cartels will not be driven out of business by this initiative. Legalizing marijuana will only make cartels richer and more violent as competition grows. Illegal drug dealers would be forced to sell to the only market left– kids under 21 years old.
Latin American leaders fail to see any positives with America legalizing marijuana. "It is confusing for our people to see that while we have lost lives and we invest vast resources in the drug war, in the consumer countries they promote proposals like the Californian referendum to legalize the production, the sale and the consumption of marijuana," said Columbia President Juan Manual Santos.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon concurs. "They (the Americans) have a clear responsibility in this because they are providing the market for the drug dealers and the criminals.”
As for California’s lawmakers most are against the measure; including both candidates for Governor, Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman, Senator Diane Feinstein and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Joining them is the California Chamber of Commerce, Crime Victims United, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Coalition for a Drug-Free America, Fight Crime Invest in Kids and the North Coastal Prevention.
On the flipside the folks who wrote the ballot imitative see things much differently. The following are some of the provisions contained in Proposition 19;
• Control cannabis like alcohol, allowing adults 21 and over in California to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, to be consumed at home or licensed establishments
• Give state and local governments the ability to tax the sale of cannabis for adult consumption
• Put our police priorities where they belong, by ending the arrests of non-violent cannabis consumers, saving hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars a year and enabling police to focus on violent crime
• Generate billions in annual revenue to fund what matters most in California: jobs, healthcare, public safety, parks, roads, transportation, and more
• Cut off funding to violent drug cartels across our border who currently generate 60 percent of their revenue from the illegal U.S. marijuana market
• Protect our kids, our roads, and our workplaces, by increasing the penalty for selling marijuana to minors, banning the smoking of marijuana in public, on school grounds, and while minors are present, maintaining strict criminal penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana, and preserving employers’ rights to maintain drug-free workplaces
• Protect medical cannabis patients’ rights
Political leaders on both ides of the political spectrum are monitoring the proposition to see if this proposition motivates younger voters to hit the polling booths. The possibility of legalizing pot even spurred the RAND Corporation to open an academic study titled: Reducing Drug Trafficking and Violence in Mexico – Would Legalizing Marijuana in California Help?
The authors concluded in their study; “Our best guess (this is the most important word in the RAND study) is that legalizing marijuana production in California would wipe out essentially all DTO (Drug Trafficking Organization) marijuana revenues from selling Mexican marijuana to California users; however, the share of Mexican marijuana in the United States that comes from Mexico to California is no more than one-seventh of all Mexican imports.”
According to a story from Reuters, the researchers found the drug cartels’ marijuana business in the United States could evaporate if high-quality marijuana from California was diverted from legal production and smuggled to the rest of the country. However that premises that California growers were willing to break the law and sell their product illegally to other dealers throughout America.
Looking to see what the underworld of drugs produces one only need to look to Mexico and see that over the past three-and-a half years in Mexico illegal drugs are responsible for nearly 30,000 murders. Scholars also admit that “it is unclear whether reductions in Mexican DTOs’ revenues would lead to corresponding decrease in violence…The effect of reducing DTO marijuana revenues on violence is a matter of conjecture.”
The topic of legalization has even sparked debate in Mexico where the drug cartels have ravaged its government and enemies alike in order to get their billion dollar industry products into the coveted United States market.
The General Director of the “El Mezon” Rehabilitation Center, Luis Serrano Quintero, said that if California legalizes marijuana on November 2nd, “Crime in Tijuana could be unleashed.”
Quintero said drug addicts could get “drugged up” in the United States and return to Tijuana to commit crimes. “We know for a fact that legalization of marijuana in California will adversely affect our communities in Tijuana and Baja California, and they need to consider that reforming their drug laws will affect us,” Quintero concluded.
Since San Diego shares a border with Tijuana, Mexico it has a lot at stake regarding illicit drugs, border violence, drug cartels and illegal immigration. If Proposition 19 finds favor with the voters, San Diegans will mostly likely see the effects of pot sales first. Keeping this in mind, the San Diego City Counsel unanimously signed a resolution to not endorse Proposition 19.
"It is encouraging to see San Diego's elected leaders on both sides of the political spectrum stepping up to the plate to oppose California becoming a pothead culture and the nation's drug dealer," said Lee Lambert, Southern California field representative for MarijuanaHarmsFamilies.com. “Marijuana legalization would bring in very little tax revenue, but would cost much more in teenage drug addictions, family problems, workplace accidents, and drugged driving DUIs.”
Either way you look at it Proposition 19 will stir debate about America’s drug use and hopefully draw attention to the country-wide instability created by drug cartels in Mexico.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
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