Official: Mexican Cartels Growing in Texas



Posted: Oct 12, 2012 8:41 PM Updated: Oct 12, 2012 8:58 PM

WESLACO - Drug cartels are operating on our side of the Rio Grande, state officials said.

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said it's more a reality now more than ever. He said they are strengthening their presence in South Texas.

"The most organized crime threat to Texas is the Mexican cartels. Six of the seven Mexican cartels are operating in Texas," McCraw said.
He said the cartels have a clear plan.

"They're working closely with the transnational gangs and prison gangs, operating on both sides of the border," he said.

He said operations are getting bigger and bolder.

"They're involved in high-speed pursuits, they are very desperate. At one time, they would give up and turn over their drugs. Now, they're threatened with their lives and the lives of their families," McCraw said.

He said cartels also are turning to human trafficking.
"Long ago they were focused on drug trafficking. Now, they're organized crime entities," McCraw said.

He said the cartels continue to forge partnerships with criminals in Texas prisons.

"We're looking at eight additional gangs that they're working closely with on both sides of the border," McCraw said.

"They have command and control elements in those border counties, and they're conducting operations on both sides of the border ... there's no question that's happening," he said.

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