Central Texas poses high threat for drug cartels, gangs

Central Texas poses high threat for drug cartels, gangs

Posted: Mar 27, 2013 4:42 PM PDT
By Mike Iliopoulos - email

CENTRAL TEXAS -
The threat of drug cartels and gangs in Texas is growing, especially right here at home.

Mexican drug cartels show the most significant threat to the state for organized crime. According to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, McLennan, Bell and Williamson counties show a high concentration of gang activity.

Currently, six of the eight most dangerous cartels have command and control networks working in the state. The majority of smuggling routes come through the Central Texas area on interstate highways, bringing drugs and people into the country, and transporting cash, weapon and stolen cars back to Mexico.

Interstate 35 is a popular route used by cartels to smuggle illegal substances. Gang activity has been growing in the state with reports of more than 100,000 members in as many as 2,500 gangs. Nationally, gang membership estimates increased 40% from 2009-2011.

Many of these gangs are working directly with Mexican drug cartels.

Central Texas poses high threat for drug cartels, gangs - KXXV-TV News Channel 25 - Central Texas News and Weather for Waco, Temple, Killeen |

Come on all they want is a better life right? to live in a place where the laws mean nothing to them. The courts will slap their wrist and send them on their way ..maybe even give them a free trip home for a few weeks. Then they can come back with a new name and no record. The vicious circle our county has created.