This is a great report on the significance of Santa Muerte to criminals. She is definitely spiritual enemy number one! -Matt
Archive for category Crime
In South America, the balloon effect has coincided with another phenomenon: The rise of a generation of populist leaders who view U.S. antidrug efforts as a version of the “Yankee imperialism” they disdain.
Both Venezuela’s Mr. Chavez and Bolivia’s Mr. Morales built support among mostly poor populations as staunchly anti-U.S. leaders. They describe the drug war as a facade for a strategy to control the region’s politics and natural resources, especially oil.
Mr. Chavez and other leaders say they are fighting drug trafficking. But in Venezuela, thwarting U.S. drug efforts appears to be a cause for promotion. In 2008, the U.S. declared Venezuelan Gen. Henry Rangel Silva a drug “kingpin.” This month, Mr. Chavez named Gen. Rangel defense minister.
Imagine this. Several large coca producing countries have leaders that were elected based on their ‘support for coca farming’, and one country elects leaders that were financed and influenced by drug cartels. And then you have multiple countries that dislike the US and try to interpret the drug war to their people as some form of ‘Yankee Imperialism’. That to me is like the perfect alignment of events to create not just Narco States, but Narco Coalitions. The combining of states that produce the drugs with states that distribute them, all with the intent of pushing those drugs into the US and world and lining the pockets of politicians and cartels. It sounds like a premise in some crazy far out crime/war movie, all wrapped up with ‘world domination’. lol
Except in this case, it is a very plausible scenario and parts of it have already come true. In the articles below, they discuss how vulnerable Mexico’s political process is to cartel influence. The second one talks about how both Peru and Bolivia have seen a huge increase in coca production, all because they have leaders who were elected based on their pro-coca farming views. Ecuador and Venezuela gets a mention because they are all about supporting the drug trade as well. So chalk those countries as lost to the narcos….
As for Mexico, who knows if Calderon can keep his presidency? The cartels are doing all they can to work against him and his party at the local levels, and they are easily using the rules of insurgency to do so. From assassination, to bribes, to kidnapping, to voter intimidation, etc. The cartels are also using media and any other angle to get the public to reject Calderon’s war against the cartels.
Finally, the thing that I am most interested in is how will the US and the rest of the world react to such a Narco Coalition, if Mexico falls? What is the strategy to counter these narco insurgencies, and what does victory or defeat look like in the context of a drug war like this? -Matt
Bolivian President Evo Morales, holding coca leaves in 2009, built a political movement by demonstrating against the drug police. He has named coca growers to law-enforcement posts -- including drug czar.
Mexico’s 2012 vote is vulnerable to narco threat
12/21/2011
“We cannot allow organized crime to decide at the ballot box,” said Josefina Vazquez Mota, a leading contender to be the 2012 presidential candidate of the National Action Party (PAN), which ended 71 years of PRI-party rule with Vicente Fox’s election in 2000.
Mexican presidents are limited to one six-year term, and the PAN held on to power in 2006 with Calderon’s narrow win over leftist challenger Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who will top the ticket for the Democratic Revolutionary Party, or PRD, again in 2012.
This time around, analysts expect PAN candidates to be hobbled by public dissatisfaction with Calderon’s military offensive against the drug cartels. At least 50,000 people have been killed since he took office in December 2006, and gangland violence has spread misery to parts of the country that were previously considered safe.
Outdated election laws
Calderon has angered rival lawmakers by suggesting that a presidential victory by PRI candidate Enrique Pena Nieto would represent a capitulation to the criminals. But many Mexicans seem nostalgic for the relative tranquility of life under the PRI, whose network of patronage and corruption once kept organized crime in check.
The army has confiscated 100 “narco-trucks” in Tamaulipas, reports El Universal. As the video shows, these are vehicles built to withstand serious offensive warfare. Armored car sales in Mexico rose 20 percent last year, according to Reuters, as upper class families sought ways to protect themselves from kidnapping and attacks. It is possible that criminal groups also contributed to the sales boom. The fact that gangs like the Zetas are buying Level 5 bulletproof cars, then further modifying them to better accommodate snipers, is an indication of how brutal the war in Tamaulipas has become.
Anyone reading this that has worked in Iraq, has probably seen a vehicle like the Granite APC or similar armored vehicle rolling around. Companies bought armored vehicles, or contractors within the companies up-armored their soft-skin vehicles from scratch to help survive the IED threats in Iraq. So when we see the same kind of vehicles in Mexico, this is familiar to contractors and the military.
It also indicates the scale of the war down there. Mexico is looking just like Iraq back in the day. I am sure the IED threat is a concern of the cartels as well–hence why armored cars like this makes sense. These vehicles are also purpose built for not only the defense, but offense and the ingenuity of design will probably reflect those purposes. Mind you, this is on the border with the US, and not some middle east country far far away… -Matt
One of the many gun trucks of the cartels. This is Mexico, and not Iraq....
Granite APC "the Rock" built on a Ford F-550 chassis, used in Iraq.
Video: Narco-Trucks Ready for War in Mexico
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Written by Elyssa Pachico
The armored cars Mexican gangs use to do battle in the contested state of Tamaulipas are increasingly technologically sophisticated, equipped with sniper platforms and James Bond-style gadgets.
A video produced by newspaper El Universal surveys vehicles that the military has seized from the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel in the northern state, which is one of the most violent in Mexico.
The cars range from crude imitations of tanks to SUVs capable of stopping rounds from M-16 and AK-47s. Gunmen are shying away from using flashy, luxury cars, El Universal reports, opting instead for steel-plated vehicles more fit for combat, in some cases, than those used by the military. Read the rest of this entry »
There is a great thread going on over at Tactical Forums that was the motivation for this post. It is all about the ‘bajadores’ or rip-off crews along the border areas who basically prey on smugglers. To me, this is land based piracy or basically stealing from other criminals and illegal immigrants, and these individuals are an interesting group.
Now what is concerning with this is the advent of bajadores dressing up like Border Patrol or law enforcement and doing their deed. Then you get a situation where smugglers arm themselves to protect against these types of forces, and they then view everyone as a threat. Hence why the border is so dangerous for anyone to operate.
The other issue I was thinking about is that we always think of these gangs floating around on the border as being hispanic. But as this report indicates, law enforcement is aware that bajadores may also be ‘non-hispanic individuals’. My guess is that it is a small number, but as the border issue heats up and more acts of violence increase, we might actually see more citizens take the law into their own hands to combat this scourge. Good or bad, that is what happens when a government fails to do the job of protecting it’s citizenry or securing it’s borders.
Let’s end this post with a different thought about this. Imagine if what the bajadores was doing, was actually legal? Law enforcement seize the assets of criminals all the time during raids and arrests, and use that money to fund all sorts of toys and programs in their departments. Citizens could also participate in this activity, and they could either work off seizing assets, a bounty system, or both. A prize court could be established in that particular state, citizens and companies could become licensed and bonded to do such an activity, and states or the feds could manage the program. In other words, I like the idea of capturing criminals and taking everything they own. I also like getting a bounty for capturing them. Both of these acts would be called privateering and bounty hunting. -Matt
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Gangs are menacing ‘coyotes,’ immigrants Assaults, kidnapping are rampant
Daniel Gonzlez
Aug. 17, 2003Violent gangs have operated for years along the border, where they rob and kidnap immigrants and “coyotes” alike, usually at gunpoint.But authorities say the booming immigrant-smuggling trade has brought them northward and invaded the Phoenix area, bringing with them tactics common in drug trafficking – assaults, kidnapping and extortion – but previously uncommon in the smuggling business.
In Mexico, they are known as bajadores . In the United States, officials have dubbed those who prey on immigrant-smuggling operations “rip-off crews.”
The bajadores have been attracted by the lucrative smuggling trade, which has escalated in the Valley in recent years and grown even more profitable as the United States, by deploying more Border Patrol agents from California to Texas, has made it more difficult to cross into the country illegally, authorities say.
The enforcement buildup has turned the remote and deadly Arizona desert, where at least 127 immigrants have died this year, into the main gateway for illegal immigration into the United States.
The buildup also has made Phoenix the primary hub for transporting immigrants to other parts of the country.The bajadores prey on the smugglers by stealing the immigrants and then threatening to beat them up or kill them unless their families pay a ransom. The ransom isn’t cheap, and the bajadores often make good their threats. They typically demand $1,000 to $1,500, the price smugglers charge to transport undocumented immigrants from the border to Phoenix. Read the rest of this entry »
I think this is to be expected, with the recession as it is. There is probably an increase in all types of crimes involving theft or robberies. As to the solution to what is going on here? Easy, the trucker needs take responsibility of his load, and use some basic tools and methods to secure his truck and precious cargo. Because to me, it is the sloppy guys who could care less about implementing basic security practices, that are the prime targets of criminals.
I also think the shipping companies could probably implement security plans for their high value stuff, that suites the value of whatever they are hauling. If they are transporting millions of dollars of stuff, maybe paying the money for a security escort to ride along with that trucker, might be the ticket. But like with the Somalia pirates and that shipping industry, I think most companies just prefer to roll the dice and depend upon dumb luck.
But going back to empowering the trucker, he can do a number of cheap things to secure his stuff. He got back the truck against a wall, he could have hidden shut offs for the battery, he could have a wireless camera set up on the rig interfaced with his smart phone, he could place a GPS tracker in the rig, you could have a truck alarm system, you could put a big nasty dog in the cab, and finally, the trucker could actually carry a firearm and get a little training and education on laws about personal defense using that gun. Basically, super empowered truckers are the key to countering these types of criminals. That and a little commonsense. Remember, law enforcement cannot be everywhere and at all times. From an industry point of view, I really have not heard of much CONUS escort type work. Of course there is always the armored car driver stuff, or the nuclear transportation work. You might hear about high end escort type contracts, but that is very few and far between. As for trucking security, that is a market I haven’t a clue about. I did find some government funding for security upgrades that companies could apply for here. The American Trucking Associations came out with some basic security guidelines for truckers, and you can read more about that here. -Matt
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Heists Targeting Truckers On Rise
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
Robberies Are “Wreaking Havoc” on U.S. Highways, Endangering Consumers
By JENNIFER LEVITZ
Thieves are swiping tractor-trailers filled with goods, triggering a spike in cargo theft on the nation’s highways.
Over five days last month, an 18-wheeler carrying 710 cartons of consumer electronics was stolen from a Pennsylvania rest stop, a 53-foot-long rig packed with 43,000 pounds of paper was ripped off in Ottawa, Ill., and a 40-foot-long truck filled with reclining armchairs went missing in Atlanta.
“Every possible encouragement should be given to privateering in time of war.” -Thomas Jefferson
*****
Now this is ridiculous. Yet again, my solution to this is simple. The Mexican government should issue Letters of Marque and Reprisal to companies, both foreign and domestic, and give them the legal authority to destroy the cartels and get a percentage of what these animals own. You create a free market based killing mechanism, and allow it to do it’s thing, and I guarantee you will see these vile organizations dry up.
They are a threat to Mexico and to the free world, and I just don’t see the current drug war strategy working out too well. Actually, it is a dismal failure, and we are witnessing how bad it really is. I say diversify, and allow private industry to help, much like how private industry helped out my country during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of my country, was a smart man. His quote about privateering rings true today, as it did several hundred years ago. I owe the survival of my country, in part, to the concept of privateering. So there must be something there, and especially if it was written into my country’s constitution. Too bad that weapon of warfare just sits over the mantel and collects dust like some old rifle from a war long ago.-Matt
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Mexico’s drug cartels siphon liquid gold
Bold theft of $1 billion in oil, resold in U.S., has dealt a major blow to the treasury
By Steve Fainaru and William BoothSunday, December 13, 2009
MALTRATA, MEXICO — Drug traffickers employing high-tech drills, miles of rubber hose and a fleet of stolen tanker trucks have siphoned more than $1 billion worth of oil from Mexico’s pipelines over the past two years, in a vast and audacious conspiracy that is bleeding the national treasury, according to U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials and the state-run oil company.
Using sophisticated smuggling networks, the traffickers have transported a portion of the pilfered petroleum across the border to sell to U.S. companies, some of which knew that it was stolen, according to court documents and interviews with American officials involved in an expanding investigation of oil services firms in Texas.
The widespread theft of Mexico’s most vital national resource by criminal organizations represents a costly new front in President Felipe Calderón’s war against the drug cartels, and it shows how the traffickers are rapidly evolving from traditional narcotics smuggling to activities as diverse as oil theft, transport and sales.
Oil theft has been a persistent problem for the state-run Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, but the robbery increased sharply after Calderón launched his war against the cartels shortly after taking office in December 2006. The drug war has claimed more than 16,000 lives and has led the cartels, which rely on drug trafficking for most of their revenue, to branch out into other illegal activities.
”Even acting outside the limits of my role as mayor, I will end the kidnappings, extortions and drug trafficking. We are going to do this by whatever means, fair or foul.”
Asked if his new squad would operate outside the law, Mr. Fernández said: “In some ways, that’s right. What the criminals want is that they can break every law, but that we have to respect every law. Well, I don’t get that.”
*****
Los Pepes eat your heart out! lol Now if Mexico would use the Letter of Marque, we could have a full court press on these fools. I salute men like Mr. Fernandez and I truly hope he can get a handle on things in his town. -Matt
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Amid Rising Violence, Mexicans Fight Back
November 6, 2009
Government Efforts to Control Drug Turf Wars Aren’t Enough, Some Say; Mayor Promises to ‘Clean Up’ Organized Crime
By DAVID LUHNOW and JOSé DE CóRDOBA
MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s war on drugs took a grim twist this week, as a prominent mayor said he had created an undercover group of operatives to “clean up” criminal elements — even if it had to act outside the law. Underscoring why the mayor may have felt compelled to take such steps, the new police chief in a neighboring town, a retired brigadier general, was shot and killed Wednesday, four days after taking up his post.
The events shed light on the state of Mexico’s battle to try to control powerful drug cartels and stop the turf wars between rival gangs that have killed an estimated 14,000 people since President Felipe Calderón took office in December 2006. Frustrated with the government’s approach, Mexicans are searching for other solutions.
Mayors and state governors across the country say they feel powerless to control the traffickers, who have corrupted local and state police to such a degree that they are considered part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. Mr. Calderón has sent 45,000 army troops to various Mexican states to try to stem the violence, but the killings have continued, with more than 6,300 people dead in drug-related violence so far this year, according to Mexican newspaper estimates.
Exclusive–Los Zetas Responds to Jax Desmond, and Puts a Hit Out on the Company
November 6, 2009
Today I have learned through reliable sources that the Los Zetas drug cartel have put out a hit on Jax Desmond, and any of their staff that attempt to help Mexico in it’s war against the cartels.
Last month, the challenge was put out by Jax Desmond via a PRNewswire release, and that they intended on offering their services to Mexico.
The official stance of the company is ‘Bring it on’, and they will not be deterred.
My personal thoughts on the matter is that it would be a pure pleasure to see Los Zetas get a taste of their own medicine. And what really kills me on this, is the crime and instability in Mexico, has a direct impact on the security and stability of the US and Central/South America. Yet we focus on Afghanistan and Iraq.
Los Zetas and the rest of the drug cartels operating throughout the region, are vermin. They are pathetic criminals, purely focused on selling drugs and destroying any threats to that business. The people of the border areas and throughout Mexico are at the mercy of these thugs, and they must be stopped.
That is why I salute any PMC that is willing to step up and offer their services to the Mexican government in their fight against the cartels. This is where a competent PMC can actually shine. This is truly a case of good versus evil, and to me, it is crystal clear what must be done. And with Iraq and Afghanistan occupying the world’s attention and resources right now, Mexico should at least be able to use all and any means necessary to defeat their enemy. -Matt
Edit: 12/12/09- I have since dropped this company from the blog, and any support for it. I will leave this post up because of the comments below, but just for the record, stay away from this company called Jax Desmond.
*****
Watch Out Los Zetas Jax Desmond Worldwide Offers Support To Mexico In Battling Deadly Drug Cartel
Mon Oct 12, 2009 (a quote from the news release)
“That was then, this is now”. . . says Sascha Forst, spokesperson with Jax Desmond Worldwide. “Mexico can’t deal with this struggle alone and if we don’t step up to help them, who will?”
The company believes they have the resources to assist the country with their very real and worrisome problem. The question now is, will Mexico accept their offer?
SOURCE Jax Desmond Worldwide
Sascha Forst, Communications Officer, +1-815-346-3537, info@jaxdesmond.com
Story here.
Let’s catch this ‘window licker’. Good luck to anyone in the BC area that is currently on the case or is wanting to get in on this hunt. I posted the media release at the bottom of this story, so definitely open the rest of this thing up if you want to learn more. -Matt
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Canada police renew warnings of pipeline bombings
Wed Oct 7, 2009
By Allan Dowd
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) – Police on Wednesday urged residents near the site of several western Canadian pipeline bombings to be vigilant for more attacks as the bomber’s self-declared “summer vacation” draws to a close.
Investigators have no information that another bombing was planned soon, but noted it was also nearing the anniversary of the first attack near the communities of Dawson Creek and Tomslake, British Columbia, police said.
There have been six attacks on EnCana Corp natural gas pipelines and related infrastructure since October 2008 by a saboteur who has warned the explosions will continue until the energy industry pulls out of that area of northeastern British Columbia.
The “individual responsible for the six attacks has shown that they are willing to commit criminal acts to get their point across,” the Royal Canadian Mounted police said in a statement urging residents to be on alert.
The bomber sent a letter to the media and EnCana in July saying there would be a three-month “summer vacation,” but it also threatened the attacks would become more serious if the demands were not met.
“We hope that the bomber has had time to reconsider his actions,” police said.
Investigators have long speculated the bomber is a local resident with a grudge against EnCana. There are other energy companies working in the region, but EnCana is the only one to have been attacked.
