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ON THE NET...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=mexico
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=oaxaca

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=drugcartel
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=drugcartels

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Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1770006/posts
Mexico catches alleged drug cartel chief
AP on Yahoo ^ | 1/18/07 | Mark Stevenson - ap

Posted on 01/18/2007 11:24:11 PM PST by NormsRevenge

MEXICO CITY - Authorities on Wednesday announced the capture of a purported drug cartel leader, the first major drug arrest under the administration of President Felipe Calderon, who has pledged a nationwide war against the drug trade.

Pedro Diaz Parada was arrested in the country's southern state of Oaxaca on Tuesday and taken to Mexico City. He faces charges of organized crime and drug trafficking, the attorney general's office said in a news release.

Prosecutors say Diaz Parada founded the cartel named after him in Mexico's southeastern region.

Federal police and soldiers stopped the sport utility vehicle in which Diaz Parada was riding, and found an assault rifle and 20 bags of marijuana inside, authorities said.

While little is known about Diaz Parada, photos of him supplied by the Attorney General's Office showed a graying, haggard-looking man dressed simply in jeans and a short-sleeve shirt.

Calderon took office on Dec. 1, and almost immediately ordered massive raids by federal police and soldiers in states where rival trafficking gangs have engaged in shootouts, executions and even beheadings in recent months.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Jan 19 2007 03:07:05 GMT-0800.

Mexico

January 18, 2007

This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement for Mexico dated November 15, 2006, which alerted U.S. citizens to the mounting violence and disorder in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico. At this time, U.S. citizens should use caution when traveling to Oaxaca City due to the continued risk of protest violence and demonstrations, which have resulted in at least nine deaths over the past several months. This Public Announcement expires on March 29, 2007.

On October 27, 2006, an American citizen was shot and killed in Oaxaca City as a result of the violence and disorder caused by ongoing civil unrest in the city. In recent months, several protest groups have engaged in increasingly violent demonstrations, which have resulted in violent reactions from other groups.

U.S. citizens traveling to Oaxaca City should be aware that the situation there remains unsettled and that demonstrations may occur at any time. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens should remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of any protests.

The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Office of Citizens' Consular Services, Reforma Ave 305, Col Cuauhtemoc Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500 Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000 or e-mail: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. For additional information, please refer to the Embassy website: http://usembassy-mexico.gov.