Drug crisis in America fueled by cartels is not just a health emergency, but also a national security threat, expert says
Epoch Times | Charlotte Cuthbertson | Aug. 29, 2019
WASHINGTON—The homicide rate in Mexico is rising at record-setting pace this year, with more than 30,000 murders in the first seven months.
It’s on target to hit almost 51,500 deaths by year’s end—about 1,000 more than in 2018 and 6,000 more than in 2017. That’s not accounting for the huge number of disappearances.
Cartel wars are causing bloodshed at the border, as well as in large port areas and major drug production areas.
Tamaulipas state, which borders Texas, has a U.S. State Department Level 4 travel advisory, which is a “do not travel” warning—the same as that given to Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan.
“Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion, and sexual assault, is common,” the State Department website warns about Tamaulipas. “Gang activity, including gun battles and blockades, is widespread. Armed criminal groups target public and private passenger buses as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers hostage and demanding ransom payments. Federal and state security forces have limited capability to respond to violence in many parts of the state.”