More proof the War on Drugs is a failure - drug related killings in Mexican city jump 5x in 2008 alone

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AFP) — Suspected drug-related killings rose more than fivefold to 1,653 in Mexico's northern border city of Ciudad Juarez in 2008, according to an AFP count based on police reports.

The figure for 2007 was 318 dead.

Drug cartels, including the powerful Juarez and Sinaloa gangs, are fighting for control of key trafficking routes into the United States across Mexico, particularly in border areas where violence has spiraled.

More than 5,300 died countrywide last year in drug-related attacks, including beheadings and massacres, -- over double the figure for 2007 -- according to the country's top prosecutor.

But Ciudad Juarez, across the border from the US city of El Paso, Texas, has seen an eruption of crime, including extortion and kidnappings and attacks to finish targets off in hospitals, that has caused hundreds to flee.

The 2008 deaths included 75 police, and 46 bodies found in two hidden graves last February.

Most deaths occurred in public places with AK-47s and nine milimeter caliber weapons, according to the prosecutor's office.

Violence marked the start of 2009, with three deaths reported in the border city on Friday, and eight the previous day.

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Killings_in_...rease_0102.html

[mawilson 2,133]

Drug dealers killing other drug dealers. In Mexico. Not here.

I'd call that a success.

[britty 1]

Drug dealers killing other drug dealers. In Mexico. Not here.

I'd call that a success.

me too. Bit of a result actually.

[SaadBell 0]

The brilliance of this drug war is breathtaking, it is only a success if you have some stock in prision industry, if you believe that the government's war on drugs if for your protection than I have some land that I am willing to sell you for a nice price. You keep believing the war on drugs is keeping you safe as you suck down your six packs and Prozac. Unbelievable

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

The drug war is retarded.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

The drug war is retarded.

Bingo. And now we're actually fighting two retarded wars. One on drugs and one on terrorism.

[peejay 327]

The US military should be on our border with Mexico and on the sea in US waters on our coasts. I could care less if American potheads want to grow small amounts of weed on the balcony of their apartment. Canada is small potatoes compared with Mexico. Canada is not the problem, Mexico is.

[mox 298]

The War on Drugs is a failure?!?! How DARE you insult Nancy Reagan!!! Harumph! Good day to you sir. I said GOOD DAY!

[peejay 327]

The War on Drugs is a failure?!?! How DARE you insult Nancy Reagan!!! Harumph! Good day to you sir. I said GOOD DAY!

It's not a failure. People in positions dealing with public safety are required to regularly be tested for narcotics use. Not to mention that our borders really should not be wide open for a multitude of reasons.

Whether all this could be done in a more efficient manner is what is open to debate (as far as I'm concerned). Unfortunately I get the impression from some that declare the war on drugs as a failure and want it abolished so they can have easier access to supply their little recreational habit. How does allowing people easier access to dope rather than barring it better for society?

Legalizing narcotics is stupid. Decriminalizing casual users might be acceptable in some circumstances and some substances such as marijuana. Dope dealers and smugglers should be in prison...period.