Posted on 06/24/2005 11:41:13 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
MEXICO CITY — As part of a nationwide effort to capture a reputed drug-cartel boss waging war for control of the Texas-Mexico border, federal agents and soldiers have seized nine houses and six cars, including an armored jeep, linked to Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
The seizures — carried out this week in Culiacán, capital of the Pacific Coast state of Sinaloa — also turned up guns, cash and ammunition, according to a statement released by Mexico's attorney general's office.
Among those arrested in one of the homes was a former state police commander.
The properties are said to be tied to Guzman's organization and that of his close associate, Ismael Zambada García.
As Mexico hunts for the men, the U.S. government is offering a reward for up to $5 million for information leading to either man's capture.
The effort comes as part of "Safe Mexico," a high-profile move by President Vicente Fox to make life tough on organized crime figures along the border and in Sinaloa, which is considered home turf to many of Mexico's drug bosses.
Guzman's family publicly complained about the treatment, including the arrest last week of his brother, who was snatched by hooded police as he celebrated his daughter's 15th birthday at a Chinese restaurant.
"They are uncomfortable with all these irregularities," Carlos Ochoa, director of the human rights commission in Culiacán, said of Guzman's family.
Guzman's son also was arrested recently.
Ochoa added that family, friends and supporters held signs and demonstrated outside the commission earlier this week in Culiacán.
Their complaints, along with the latest seizures, will be wrapped into a report to be reviewed by the national human rights commission, he said.
Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, said Mexico is pressuring Guzman and his soldiers on multiple fronts.
"When you mount a massive offensive against them, they are on the run and can't handle the day-to-day activities of their criminal enterprise," he said.
Guzman is facing tough choices, he said, including whether to swallow his pride or retaliate and risk further government wrath.
"It is going to lead to some bloodletting — obviously he is going to retaliate against the government — the authorities, military and police entities that are after him," he said.
Guzman, a fugitive since he escaped from a Guadalajara prison in 2001, is said to be head of the Sinaloa Cartel, which is fighting for control of smuggling routes for moving drugs across the Texas-Mexico border, chiefly around Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, just a 21/2-hour drive south of San Antonio.
As Guzman and his underworld allies battle other cartels, they fuel a drug war that has claimed the lives of nearly 600 people this year.
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express@cablevision.net.mx
Retaliation is a given.
Does the Mexican govt have the cojones and resources to go toe to toe with these drug lords?
Part of me thinks NO. I'd be willing to bet that large swaths of Mexican govt are riddled with informants paid off by the drug lords.
Yup, the Mexican governmint is not going to tolerate organized crime any more...
They don't want the competition.
Think I could buy one his cars at auction???
Hey, a new use for eminent domain now.
EL Chapo Ping!
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off this South Texas/Mexico ping list.
you like goldleaf that much?
While I was reading this a little bulb went off inside my head. Does anyone know if NGOs are required to reveal where their donations come from?
I am asking because it is becoming increasing apparent that NGOs are bought and paid for by our enemies. While we have managed to stop much of the illicit flow of money to AQ and Hamas donating to NGOs is legal. Something stinks here but I can’t put my finger on it.
Boo Hoo, they can't kill and kidnap at random anymore. Cry me a river.
I'm shocked, SHOCKED! (not really)
ol' hoghead
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