Almost 500 people have been killed in drug-related violence in Mexico this year, including more than 50 in the past week. Of the nearly 500 victims this year, 58 have been police officers, according to Mexico City's Police Formation Institute.
President Calderon targeted drug trafficking upon taking office in December 2006 and sent troops earlier this year to southern states and the border cities of Tijuana and Nuevo Laredo. In March, Mexico's organized crime unit seized over $200 million in cash from a Mexico City mansion where seven alleged methamphetamine producers were arrested. Calderon has said that the recent upsurge in violence could be a backlash against his attempted crackdown. However, the drug trade resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Mexico last year. With the same rate apparently continuing in 2007, it is unclear whether Calderon's measures have had any immediate impact thus far.
Sources:
Mexican drug violence claims nearly 500 lives (LA Times)
Drug violence surges in Mexico (Dallas Morning News)
Mexico seizes record $206m in drug raid (Reuters – Boston Globe)
