The Mexican Drug War2006-2011

Since the 1980s, drug trafficking organizations have dominated Mexico and have spilled over into the American southwest.• Cartel leaders used bribes, threats

and public demonstrations of brutality to keep law enforcement and the military at bay.

On December 1st, 2006, newly elected president Felipe Calderon declared war on drug traffickers.• On December 11th, 2006, Calderon

sent 6500 federal troops into the Mexican state of Michoacan to end the reign of the La Familia Michoacana cartel in the region.

• Over 500 cartel members were killed during the operation, and the cartels were quick to retaliate.

-Since the war began in 2006, over 120,000 cartel members have been arrested, and 8500 have been convicted.-Thousands more have been killed by Mexican law enforcement.-In retaliation, the cartels have killed or organized the assassinations of many people, including• 200 soldiers• 208 federal agents• 58 reporters• Over 1000 police officers, judges

and prosecutors