Thread: Mexican cartels in talks to split turf

Mexican cartels in talks to split turf

Violence falls as rivals aim to divide drug routes, preserve future


12:58 PM CDT on Monday, June 25, 2007
By ALFREDO CORCHADO / The Dallas Morning News
acorchado@dallasnews.com

NUEVO LAREDO – Mexico's warring Sinaloa and Gulf drug cartels have quietly declared a cease-fire in at least two states as they negotiate a peace agreement that could divide the nation's lucrative drug routes, U.S. and Mexican intelligence authorities said.

The surprising move could dramatically reduce violence across a nation where more than 1,300 people have been killed this year. But authorities caution that any agreement could easily be derailed like similar past efforts.

In contrast to the raging violence of the recent past, drug-related killings have fallen dramatically in the last two weeks, according to Mexico City newspapers that conduct unofficial daily tallies. Drug experts and senior law enforcement authorities on both sides of the border, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the cease-fire appears to be holding.

"The fact that violence had erupted across the country – from the Gulf Coast to the Pacific Coast – in such alarming fashion, became an issue of serious concern for veteran cartel leaders who fear for the demise of their overall business," said Eduardo Valle, a former assistant to the Mexican attorney general who now writes a column for El Universal newspaper in Mexico City and El Manana in Nuevo Laredo.

"Cooler heads, for now, are prevailing," he said. "What we have is a temporary, partial cease-fire as the two sides try to negotiate a lasting pact. All this, however, remains tenuous at best and perhaps not sustainable in the long run."

Said a U.S. intelligence official who asked not to be identified: "The agreement is not solidified yet, but moves are under way."


Official cautious

Over the weekend, Reforma newspaper listed 44 deaths between June 16 and 22, compared with an average week's toll of 60, marking one of the lowest death rates in recent months. No police officers were killed during that period.

"You cannot overlook the fact that executions have leveled off dramatically in recent days," said a senior Mexican federal law enforcement official on condition of anonymity. "But we're a long way from declaring victory. Nothing is concrete as far as we're concerned. One thing is sure: These people hate each other with a vengeance, and the killings can resume at any moment, anywhere."

In the past six years, nearly 10,000 people have been killed in every imaginable way – from beheadings to being tossed from planes – according to Alejandro Gutierrez, author of Narcotraffickers: [Mexican President Felipe] Calderón's Big Challenge.

The killings have come as the Gulf cartel battled the Sinaloa cartel for control of key drug distribution routes, including Interstate 35, which begins across the border from Nuevo Laredo. So far, most of those killed have been drug traffickers, soldiers and law enforcement officials.

Leaders from the Sinaloa and Gulf cartels are negotiating over carving up the critical northern states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, both of which border Texas, intelligence officials said.

Meanwhile, according to these sources, the Zetas, a violent enforcement group formed by highly trained military deserters, would share the state of Tamaulipas with their old bosses, the Gulf cartel. Negotiations over other states could follow, including Michoacan, Guerrero and Veracruz, the officials said.

According to intelligence officials, the Zetas want control over coveted Nuevo Laredo – site of some of the bloodiest battles – and its port of entry onto I-35.

The talks include some local, state and federal officials in Mexico, Mr. Valle and authorities said.

"The realignment under way is not just within the cartels, but also with some members of the government," said Mr. Valle. "That's the only way any pact can work because of the vast corruption within sectors of the government."

The apparent cease-fire is partly a response to the Calderón government's current military campaign, which has disrupted some operations, and the prospect of greater U.S. involvement – both in increased funding and telecommunications assistance for Mexico's anti-drug fight.

Still, the main reasons for the cease-fire appear to be more practical, authorities said.

"The cartels are losing too many lives and too much money," said the senior Mexican law enforcement official. "Our actions have made their lives more difficult, but not enough to force them to the negotiation table. If anything, the cartels are proving that only they have the power to halt the violence. But these people have taken stock of the dire situation and said, 'Hey, this is not good for business. Let's talk and divide up the pie.' "

Adding to the pressure, Colombian cocaine producers are increasingly reluctant about doing business with Mexican cartel leaders, officials say. Because cocaine purchases are usually paid for after the merchandise is sold, the increased drug seizures and interceptions have meant less revenue for the Colombian suppliers, who often walk away empty-handed and angry, authorities say.

"The Colombians want their money up front," said the U.S. intelligence official. "Not even the Colombians feel safe, which tells you a lot about how bad things have become."


Trafficker, peacemaker

Leading the negotiations, according to intelligence officials, is Juan Jose Esparragoza Moreno, alias El Azul, a powerful drug trafficker originally from Badiraguato, Sinaloa, and reputed leader of the Federation, a cartel organization run much like the Mafia – through extortion and family ties.

The Federation reportedly includes the Sinaloa, Juarez and Sonora cartels. More than a drug trafficker, Mr. Esparragoza, whose face is plastered on the FBI's most wanted list with a $5 million bounty, is also known for his skills as a peacemaker. Five years ago, authorities said, Mr. Esparragoza tried and failed to forge an agreement with Osiel Cardenas, the former Gulf cartel leader who was extradited to the U.S. in January.

With Mr. Cardenas out of the picture, the Federation, led by Mr. Esparragoza, is now talking to Jorge Eduardo Costilla-Sanchez, known as El Coss, the reputed leader of the Gulf cartel, and Heriberto Lazcano, known as El Verdugo, "The Executioner," and head of the Zetas, officials said.

"El Azul is the only guy who can deal with both sides," said a U.S. law enforcement official. "He's the peacemaker and has been a good liaison who can communicate with both El Coss and Lazcano and the Mexican military."

Calls to the military seeking comment were not returned.

The negotiations are strewn with roadblocks. While the talks are aimed mainly at deciding on drug distribution routes across Mexico and along the U.S.-Mexico border, deep rifts remain among the drug traffickers. Ill feelings have been exacerbated by deeply personal feuds among men reeling from the violent deaths of siblings and close friends.

"Too much blood has been spilled, too many grudges remain," said Mr. Valle.
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Now we are in trouble.

ok so why are we putting up with this crap again?