Sunday, July 17, 2011

Mexican drug cartels gaining access to US military weapons

AP file photo
Tens of thousands of U.S. firearms and explosives are sold legally to the Mexican government each year.
 
WHAT: Legally sold U.S. military heavy weapons such as rocket launchers, grenades and automatic M16s are the basic firepower of the out-of-control Mexican drug cartels, according to leaked federal documents.

WHY: Tens of thousands of U.S. firearms and explosives are sold legally to the Mexican government each year — nearly $177 million worth in 2009 alone. Many of these weapons then disappear and are funneled to the cartels.

HOW: Those “lost” U.S. weapons are currently being shipped as military support or were stockpiled for U.S. aid programs in nations including Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Unlimited cartel cash is a near-irresistible temptation.

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