Press Releases 08
U.S. - Mexican Officials Launch Armas Cruzadas Program
Statement
by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Mexico City, June 9, 2008 - “Today in Houston, Assistant
Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs
Enforcement Julie Myers met with representatives from Mexico’s
Office of the Attorney General (PGR), the Secretariat of Public
Security (SSP), and Customs to announce Operation Armas Cruzadas.
This program will identify and disrupt cross-border arms smuggling
rings through improved, real-time information sharing.
“Armas Cruzadas directly addresses a crucial front in our
shared fight against narcotrafficking in the border region.
It creates a virtual network and gives law-enforcement officials
the ability to cooperate across the border to identify trafficking
organizations and intercept illegal arms. This program builds
directly on the already impressive law enforcement cooperation
between our two countries.
“The announcement was made at the first ever Border Enforcement
Security Task Forces (BEST) Conference, also attended by Senator
Charles Grassley, Congressman Henry Cuellar and Congressman
Mark Souder. There are currently ten BEST task forces in Texas,
Arizona and California, integrating the efforts of U.S. and
Mexican federal and local law enforcement agencies all along
the border.
“Mexican law enforcement participation in the BESTs has aided
in the successful return of criminal fugitives sought in both
countries, including the removal to Mexico of one of that
nation's most wanted fugitives. BEST arms smuggling investigations
have led to numerous arrests and the seizure of thousands
of rounds of ammunition and firearms, including a cache of
AK-47 assault rifles destined for Mexico. In 2007, BESTs were
responsible for more than 500 criminal arrests and nearly
300 criminal indictments, as well as the seizure of more than
2,000 pounds of cocaine, 50,000 pounds of marijuana, 2,300
weapons and nearly $3 million in U.S. currency.
“Armas Cruzadas is one more step in our common effort to
disrupt the illegal gun trade and undercut criminal violence
in Mexico and the border region. I congratulate all the participants
from the Mexican and U.S. governments in this bold initiative.”
For more information on Armas Cruzadas, click here
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