Thread: 7 tons of pot, 9,800 rounds of ammunition seized near Juáre

Soldiers seize 7 tons of pot, 9,800 rounds of ammunition outside Juárez (5:26 a.m.)
By Diana Washington Valdez / For the Sun-News
Posted: 02/10/2009 05:25:11 AM MST

EL PASO - Roughly 7.3 tons of marijuana and nearly 9,800 rounds of ammunition were seized Monday by the Mexican army in El Millon, an agricultural community across the Rio Grande from Fabens, Texas, officials said.

Four vehicles also were seized at the property by members of the 20th Motorized Cavalry Regiment, an army unit based in Juárez, according to a statement by Joint Operation Juárez.

Officials said they received a tip about people carting packages inside vehicles at a fenced parcel at the edge of El Millon, in the Juárez lower valley or Valle de Juárez.

A military helicopter flew overhead during the raid, which netted the biggest drug and ammunition seizures on record for that region.

"The military found the large door open and detected a strong odor of marijuana when they entered the place, but did not find anyone, suggesting the people who were there fled after they noticed the presence of the military," according to the statement.

Officials said the ammunition was in different calibers. They said they also found 39.6 pounds of marijuana seeds, with an estimated street value of $11.7 million, and a red tow trailer.

The vehicles seized included a 2002 white and red Dodge Durango, a 2008 white Mitsubishi Outlander, a 1990 white Ford 150 pickup and a 1990 gold GMC Sierra pickup. Officials said none of the trucks had plates, and did not provide the vehicle identification numbers.

Last week, five people were shot execution style in El Millon. Due
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to the increase in violence, the U.S. consulate in Juárez issued a rare warning urging U.S. citizens to stay away from Valle de Juárez.

DEA officials previously said Rodolfo "Rikin" Escajeda, described as a dangerous fugitive who is sought by U.S. authorities and is known to travel to El Paso County, controls the Valle de Juárez smuggling corridor.

Officials ask anyone with knowledge of Escajeda's whereabouts to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 915-534-6779, or by e-mail at usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.

Diana Washington Valdez reports for the El Paso Times, a member of the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, and may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_11670045?s ... ost_viewed

Good for them. I don't want illegals here, however, their citizens shouldn't have to live under the conditions that they are.

It also helps that the US sent Mexico 198 mill about 2-3 months ago.

I'm sorry I can't provide the link.