Lugar de Mucha MúZIHca

While I will not argue that the USA drug policy contributes to the prevalence of the cartels in Mexico and the current wars between them for territory, I’m confused about how the current and recurring extortion schemes of various and sundry businesses relates directly to the drug trade. It seems to me that the extortion schemes relate more to criminal gangs taking advantage of the absence of an effective, competent police force. I hope that the local citizens will soon receive the protection they deserve.

Because if the cartels weren't overpowering the police forces the police would at least be able to deal with petty crime, which they can't do if they're hiding behind fortress walls and the only patrolling they do is zooming through town in pickup trucks during "safe" hours for photo-op purposes but doing nothing to prevent crime or punish criminals. Here we can't even do breathalyzers because the cops are afraid of what would happen if they tried to stop the wrong person. While things aren't yet as bad as they were under the former mayor Gustavo García Bello, we've seen this movie before, and each time it gets worse but nothing really gets done except to chase cucarachas around in circles. All the pretty painted concrete is worthless if tourists stop coming due to a perception of danger.