| | |  Editorials | Opinions | April 2009 
Beware of Drug-Cartel Corruption
 Joan Neuhaus Schaan - Houston Chronicle
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 |  | Drug proceeds are believed to be $10 billion to $45 billion annually, and far exceed legitimate forms of hard currency transmitted to Mexico from the United States. |  | | |
U.S. law enforcement officers and assets will soon be headed to the Mexican border, as part of a broader initiative announced by President Obama to deter the escalating violence related to drug trafficking. The administration’s decision, which includes a more than 50 percent increase in funding for the multiyear, anti-crime Merida Initiative, is significant, but only a small step toward resolving a breakdown that threatens Mexico’s viability and our long-term security.
The magnitude of the problem is difficult to comprehend, and, even more so, to consider next door. In 2008, approximately 5,600 people were killed in organized crime-related violence. For comparison, as of early January, 2009, 4,222 U.S. military members had been killed in Iraq since the inception of hostilities in 2003.
Drug proceeds are believed to be $10 billion to $45 billion annually, and far exceed legitimate forms of hard currency transmitted to Mexico from the United States.
But the violence is not just in Mexico; it has already crossed the border. Phoenix experienced 368 kidnappings last year. Cartel hitmen have carried out executions within the United States, and anecdotal evidence indicates cartel families already live in the United States.
While the violence in Mexico, and increasingly in the United States, is symptomatic of much broader issues for both countries, true progress in combating the cartels cannot be achieved without acknowledgment and recognition of the central role played by corruption. An estimated 62 percent of Mexican law enforcement forces are on the payroll of the drug cartels. Likewise, cartels have infiltrated U.S. law enforcement agencies as well. Corruption is an unpalatable subject, and in some circles it is considered politically incorrect to acknowledge its existence. Nonetheless, a bright light needs to be shone into this dark corner, and its ramifications must be given full consideration.
The United States and Mexico must be vigilant that any proposed bilateral training and intelligence sharing is not exploited by the cartels. For example, the most feared of the cartel enforcers are Los Zetas. The Zetas organization is responsible for intimidation, kidnappings and assassinations on a weekly basis. The founding members of Los Zetas were trained by the United States for counternarcotics special operations and intelligence. After a few years working for the Mexican government, Los Zetas defected and joined the cartels. Our brave men and women deserve more than to face opponents who have received their training from the U.S.
Similarly, the new policy envisions sharing U.S. residents’ weapons ownership data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. While this eTrace system is invaluable in identifying and dismantling weapons trafficking organizations, unfettered access by Mexican law enforcement should not be permitted, given the percentage of law enforcement personnel on the cartel payroll.
Outside of investigations and prosecution, how can corruption be minimized? Those in security recognize the value of two-man accountability when handling highly sensitive or valuable material, i.e. having two persons involved at all times diminishes the risk of malfeasance. This concept could prove valuable in border operations by using dual agencies when appropriate.
As relates to databases, queries into systems should carry a trace of the requesting agency and contact information for the individual making the request.
Schaan is the fellow in homeland security and terrorism at Rice University’s James A. Baker III Institute. She also serves as the executive director of the Houston-Harris County Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council, a joint effort of Harris County, the city of Houston and Rice. |
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