Sunday, February 28, 2016

AZMEX SPECIAL 27-2-16

AZMEX SPECIAL 27 FEB 2016

Note: graphics at link.
" Heroin poisoning mortality rates have increased 93 percent since 2010 from 1.4 deaths to 2.7 deaths per 100,000 residents. "



Heroin and prescription drug overdoses continue to escalate across Arizona
TY SCHOLES/CRONKITE NEWS |
February 27, 2016 @ 10:00 am

http://ktar.com/story/934493/heroin-and-prescription-drug-overdoses-continue-to-escalate-across-arizona/

http://www.azdhs.gov/documents/prevention/womens-childrens-health/reports-fact-sheets/injury-prevention/poisonings-among-arizona-residents-report-2014.pdf


According to the Centers for Disease Control, fatal drug overdoses outnumbered fatal car crashes and shootings in 2013. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
PHOENIX — Despite efforts to slow the scourge of heroin and prescription drug abuse, the number of emergency room admissions from heroin and narcotic pill overdoses have continued to rise across Arizona.

Recent data from the Arizona Department of Health Services shows that 1,052 people required emergency room treatment for prescription drug overdoses in 2014, up from 1,018 in the previous year. Heroin overdoses increased from 521 in 2013 to 605 in 2014.

"Most drug abuse, specifically in the heroin arena starts by using legal prescription drugs, 75 percent in fact," said Christina Corieri, Gov. Doug Ducey's health and human services advisor. "So if we can identify individuals up front who are at risk of becoming addicted, we can intervene and help them and save lives."

Pharmaceutical opiates overdose mortality rates by county:

Gila: >20 deaths per 100,000 people.
Mohave: >15 deaths per 100,000 people.
Pima: >10 deaths per 100,000 people.
Maricopa: 5 deaths per 100,000 people.
Navajo: >5 deaths per 100,000 people.
Yavapai: >5 deaths per 100,000 people.

Overdose deaths also increased across the board from 2013 to 2014, according to the data from AZDHS. In 2014, there were 494 deaths recorded from pharmaceutical opioids and benzodiazepines, a 16 percent increase from the previous year. Heroin-caused deaths jumped from 125 in 2013 to 180 in 2014, a 44 percent increase.

Prescription pill abuse has exploded nationally over the last 20 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control, fatal drug overdoses outnumbered fatal car crashes and shootings in 2013.

"If you look at the United States we actually represent only 5 percent of the world's population, and we represent 80 percent of the prescription drugs," said Corieri.


Brittany Pinkston, a behavioral health technician, was introduced to opiates at age 17 after a hand injury sent her to an urgent care center in Gilbert. She said she didn't consider herself an addict because the drugs came from a doctor. Within a month, she was physically addicted to pills – too sick to sleep or work if she didn't have narcotics.

"I could easily go to urgent care and they'd prescribe it to me in a second. I know exactly what to say. You just go in and say your back hurts and they'll give you Percocet. I got one in the waiting room once," she said.

She justified her drug use because she could function so well on the pills and "that's serious denial," she said.

"How bad can they be?" she added. "They came from a doctor."

"The funny thing is you think you're not that bad until you can't get the doctor to prescribe you pills, and then you're like holy shit, this is a problem," Pinkston added.

She said that once, while she was "dope sick" and trying to refill her stash, a doctor noticed her fever and withdrawal symptoms and told her, "If you need more, you can come back."



Dr. Dan Quan, a toxicologist who works in the emergency room at Maricopa Integrated Health System, sees patients who have overdosed every day.

"I had one patient who said he was hurt at age eight and that's how he got addicted to pain medication. He didn't know any better because he was so young, it just kept escalating from there," he said.

He said usually people are first exposed to opiates in an emergency room setting.

"A high school football player who breaks his leg, or someone who gets in a nasty car accident; these people usually have no idea they are dealing with deadly and highly addictive substances," said Quan.

"And when they can't get pills to feed the habit, they buy their first bag of heroin, which is cheaper and sometimes easier to find than the pills," he added.



Nick Sanders works as a coordinator at a Valley drug rehab center. He first tried Percocet when a high school friend gave him the drugs for free.

"When I first got high it really felt like the heavens had parted, I found what I should be doing finally. I was always anxious, but it seemed like all I had to do was a little bit of a pill and I was good for the rest of the day," he said.

"I was exactly where I had to be."

Nick's addiction consumed him throughout his teenage years, fueled further by drug dealing and eventually armed robbery.

"And that's kind of a common theme in drug use and substance abuse, you rob people. I had never done that, because I never wanted to hurt somebody," said Sanders.

But Sanders said when he needed money, stealing drugs from a pharmacy at gunpoint seemed like the safest way to get the pills that he needed.

He decided to rob a Walgreens, hiding his face with large sunglasses and a tissue over his nose. The robbery note was disguised as a doctor's prescription.

"I flash him the gun real quick, he hands me the pills, and I pretty much just walk out the fire exit," he said.


In 2007, the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy set up the "Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program" to prevent doctor shopping and over-prescribing. The program is an online database for doctors to document every instance in which they prescribe narcotic medications. When using the database, a physician can see if their patient has been prescribed narcotics recently.

Use of the database is voluntary, but that may soon change.

Arizona legislators are trying to pass a bill that legally requires the doctors to use the program. State Sen. John Kavanagh, R-District 8, sponsored the bill after Ducey called for its mandatory use.

"In order to save lives, and prevent all the accidents and crime and heartache that follow opiate overdose or intoxication, we're going to mandate it, because it has to be done," said Kavanagh.


end

Excerpt from:

http://www.azdhs.gov/documents/prevention/womens-childrens-health/reports-fact-sheets/injury-prevention/poisonings-among-arizona-residents-report-2014.pdf

Poisoning was the leading cause of injury-related mortality among Arizona residents in 2014 accounting for a total of 1,260 deaths. The age-adjusted poisoning mortality rate remained stable from 2013 to 2014 at 19.1 deaths per 100,000 residents. Males aged 45 through 54 years had the highest rate of poisoning-related deaths with 42.2 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Poisoning mortality rates were highest among American Indians (25.8 deaths per 100,000 residents) and White, non-Hispanics (23.5 deaths per 100,000 residents). Seventy-seven percent of the poisoning-related deaths in 2014 were due to unintentional injuries (n=977); 14 percent were due to suicide (n=172); and nine percent were of an undetermined manner of death (n=110).

The poisons most commonly specified on death certificates in 2014 were pharmaceutical opioids (n=372), methamphetamines and other stimulants (n=249), and alcohol (n=248). Heroin poisoning mortality rates have increased 93 percent since 2010 from 1.4 deaths to 2.7 deaths per 100,000 residents.

The mortality rate due to pharmaceutical opioid poisoning among adults 55 to 64 years of age surpassed those 45 to 54 years of age for the first time in 2014. The rate increased for that same age group over 232 percent since 2004.

The mortality rate due to pharmaceutical opiates has decreased 20 percent since 2010. Among counties with at least 20 poisoning-related deaths in 2014, Gila County had the highest fatality rate (48.8 deaths per 100,000 residents).

end



A story in Mexican media on destruction of drugs in Baja.

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/27022016/1057144-Mas-de-20-toneladas-de-narcoticos-fueron-incinerados-en-Tijuana.html

18,570 kilos of marijuana
1,351 kilos of meth
206 kilos of cocaine
236 kilos of heroin
6.4 kilos of opium
11,4 kilos of morphine
77 pills

end

Friday, February 26, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 25-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE 25 FEB 2016

Note: a series of big drug busts just south of the border.


Mexican Army confiscates drugs, vehicles and weapons
Details Published on Thursday February 25 2016,
Written by Editorial Staff

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=67352

SLRC.

In coordination with authorities of the three levels of government.
In the municipality of San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexican Army personnel seized 172 kilograms of cocaine, 32 kilograms of heroin, 387 kilograms of 'crystal', two rifles, three handguns, cartridges of various calibers, an armored van and arrested two people.
The drug, weapons, vehicle and the detained were turned over to the Federal Public Ministry of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.
With actions like this the Mexican Army, in coordination with authorities of the three levels of government, reiterated it's commitment to the fight against organized crime and the pursuit of peace and security of the population.

FINISH



Army seizes shipment of "Cristal"
Details Published on Wednesday February 24 2016,
Written by Editorial / El Diario

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=67341

. During the review and control operations that take place in the vicinity of Military Security Post "Cucapah" San Luis Rio Colorado, Son, Mexican Army personnel, said the following:

116 Kilograms of cristal.
1 Person arrested.

The drugs and person were made available to the Federal Public Ministry of San Luis Rio Colorado, Son.

END




SEIZED IN MILITARY ZONE 45, 750 KILOS OF COCAINE at roadblock on AGUA PRIETA, SONORA-to JANOS, CHIHUAHUA road.
FEB 24, 2016
WRITTEN BY LA VEDAD DE AGUA PRIETA

http://laverdaddeaguaprieta.com/site/index.php/agua-prieta/item/904-decomisan-militares-de-la-45-zona-750-kilos-de-cocaina-en-reten-instalado-en-carretera-agua-prieta-sonora-janos-chihuahua

military stationed at the Military Zone 45 attached in Agua Prieta, in a roadblock on the road Agua Prieta, Sonora to Janos, Chihuahua, 750 kilos of drugs, which were transported in a truck Refrigerated Transport Company S.A. Pandas Trucking Seized de C.V. with economic number 55 bound for Tijuana, Baja California.

It is important to note that the drug has a value in the black market of about 26 million USD.

FINISH




Note: and then this one. If memory serves, not one drug or human smuggler has been prosecuted for extensive damage to this and other NM.


Man fined for harm to national monument
Ragged Top Mountain is the jewel of Ironwood Forest National Monument, the home of several endangered and threatened species and more than 200 prehistoric Hohokam sites.
Posted: Friday, February 26, 2016 9:18 am

http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/arizona_news/man-fined-for-harm-to-national-monument/article_848e019c-dca4-11e5-bdf2-1b1cd81f96c9.html

TUCSON (AP) — A Marana man has been sentenced to one year of probation and fined $10,000 for damages at the Ironwood Forest National Monument, parts of which are in Pinal County.
Federal prosecutors say 50-year-old John Samuel Rahe was accused of damaging vegetation and soil at the national monument near Red Rock.
He previously pleaded guilty to resource damage and littering in the case.
Prosecutors say Rahe drove his utility vehicle illegally off road within national monument boundaries last March.
He was accused of running over and destroying two small saguaros, a palo verde tree and more than 30 more cactuses and shrubs.
When his vehicle became stuck, authorities say Rahe attempted to free it by attaching its winch to an 8-foot saguaro, resulting in the cactus being toppled.
Rahe was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Tucson.

end

AZMEX UPDATE 22-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE 22 FEB 2016


Armed Coahuila police cross into US
[Security]
by Editorial
22/02/2016 - 4:00 a.m.
http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/policias-de-coahuila-cruzan-armados-a-eu-1456101143

Piedras Negras.- Two patrols of municipal police and Allende Coahuila Nava entered with its elements on board to the area of ​​US Customs at the border from Eagle Pass to Piedras Negras, when they tried to arrest a subject who fled an operation in which he almost hit a policeman.

The incident occurred at about one o'clock when officers Allende persecution first began about 40 kilometers from the border aboard a patrol in an attempt to intercept a late-model white Chevolet pickup with plates from Texas.

The chase patrol Nava joined, to extend this municipality flight, without being activated Code Red and fugitive headed for the international bridge number two which was congested with cars that were on their way to Eagle Pass, Texas.

The subject in the pickup broke the fence of the tollbooth of the international bridge two already in territory of Piedras Negras and half bridge crashed into a car.

The patrols did not stop their pursuit to reach and to Texan territory and were detained and amagados Customs officers and Maverick County sheriff's deputies.

After half an hour they were already assured the American side patrols, he was activated Code Red and after four hours the municipal elements, who did not provide the name, were returned to Mexico by Customs in Eagle Pass.

Two more of the municipal police units from Negras Peidras tried to stop the truck but they returned a half-bridge.

This is the second incident happens where armed Coahuila officers entered Texas with official vehicles during a chase and who are stopped and searched by US border authorities.

LFF



Note: " no justification for civilians to arm themselves and provide their own security,"

Exautodefensa released from prison and is reset; violation of state regulations

[Michoacán]
by Excelsior
22/02/2016 - 10:56 a.m.
http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/exautodefensa-sale-de-prision-y-se-rearma-viola-disposiciones-estatales-145

Morelia, Mich.- Through its official Facebook, the former leader of the paramilitary group in Santa María de Ostula, Cemei Verdía Zepeda, published three photos on the Michoacan coast in which he is seen carrying a gun and a bulletproof vest.

pictured wearing a bulletproof vest and a gun is seen, which contravenes the disposition of the government of Michoacan, which announced last February 11 with the last block of exautodefensas trained to join the police in Michoacan, there would be no justification for civilians to arm themselves and provide their own security, so that the photos reveal that violates that provision of state authority.

Cemei Verdía was appointed commander of the Rural Force during the first stage of adjustment of self-defense two years ago, however, after the criminal proceedings faced murder and aggravated robbery was suspended from the police force without being been reactivated.

fb





Note: Local interest mostly "Sika" = "Zika"


Call to fight dengue mosquito
22 / Feb / 2016
Contreras Eréndida Inzunza
New Day / Nogales, Sonora
http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=10510

The only way to prevent dengue virus, Chicungunya and Sika is avoiding the presence of mosquito transmitter of the three diseases, in areas where it operates.

This was announced by Epidemiologist Mexican Institute of Social Security, IMSS, Clemente Chavez Ramirez, noting that the mosquito, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus develops in most regions and Nogales is no exception, because it has the weather for presence of said bug.

He said both dengue, sika, and Chicungunya have the same infection process is through mosquito transmitter and begins with the presence of a healthy mosquito that comes and bites a person ill with any or all of these diseases; then takes seven to fourteen days for playback or incubating the virus, later, the body of a mosquito becomes hundreds and thousands of ready virus to spread to everyone.

So far, he said, do not have treatment for the virus, the only way is to prevent the mosquito in the life of people and the recommendations are not loiter around or inside the houses, preventing stored water, because it is where develops the mosquito, even it has been found that within a few weeks the eggs generate hundreds and thousands of larvae best known as siboris and elsewhere are called corta-tripas.

Also, he said, it is necessary to keep covered containers to avoid water in flower vases, pots, use mosquito nets, pavilions and repellents, which somehow will avoid the presence of the mosquito.

finish

AZMEX I3 21-1-16

AZMEX I3-2 21JAN 2016

UPDATE So far no details on how he got his DACA status.

Child-abuse suspect got legal status under Obama's DACA program
Brahm Resnik, 12 News
6:16 p.m. MST January 21, 2016
http://www.12news.com/story/news/2016/01/21/child-abuse-suspect-daca/79115818/

The Mesa man charged in the abuse of a 3-year-old girl is living in the U.S. under Pres. Obama's program protecting undocumented immigrants from being deported.

The 30-year-old Mesa man accused of sexually abusing a 3-year-old girl and offering her for sex is living in the U.S. under President Obama's program shielding young undocumented immigrants from deportation, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official told 12 News on Thursday.

Francisco Javier Rios-Covarrubias was granted legal status and a work permit under the so-called DACA program for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had confirmed Wednesday that an immigration hold had been placed on Rios-Covarrubias, requesting he be turned over to ICE custody once his legal proceedings ran their course.

Rios-Covarrubias was arrested on several charges, including suspicion of sex trafficking, kidnapping and sex with a minor, after the girl was discovered Monday duct-taped and covered in feces inside the man's closet. She had been placed in a garbage bag.

RELATED: Relatives of abused 3-year-old girl speak out

Mesa police described the abuse as one of the most disturbing cases they had seen in recent years. The girl is being treated at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Rios-Covarrubias had been baby-sitting the girl while her 22-year-old mother was working, according to police reports. The mother, Mayra Solis, is being held on child-abuse charges.

The DACA program -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals -- was created by the Obama Administration in June, 2012 to grant legal status to undocumented immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthdays and before June, 2007. They are eligible for renewable two-year work permits and protection from deportation.

A DHS spokeswoman provided the following statement to 12 News regarding Rios-Covarrubias' status:

"Deferred action is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Therefore, deferred action may be denied or terminated at any time. Factors making deferred action inappropriate would include, but not be limited to, threats to public safety or national security."

Arizona has the sixth-largest number of DACA recipients in the country, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

As of the end of last September, 25,494 DACA applications had been approved since 2012, and 16,162 permits were renewed.

California leads the nation, with 202,000 applications approved.

The president's expansion of the program through executive action two years ago is being challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court.

That executive action has been suspended pending the outcome of the court case.

END

Friday, February 19, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 18-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE 18 FEB 2016

Note: Stopping? Not even slowing.


$8.5-million pot bust is second-largest in state port history
Nogales International Updated 23 min ago (0)

http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/million-pot-bust-is-second-largest-in-state-port-history/article_bc0623de-d5ba-11e5-a6a0-0bbb680d8faa.html

Nearly 17,100 pounds of marijuana were found in a trailer at the Mariposa Commercial facility.
Federal officers in Nogales made the second-largest marijuana bust in Arizona port history when they discovered $8.5 million worth in marijuana in a shipment identified as airplane parts.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officers at the Mariposa Commercial Facility seized the 17,060-pound load after sending a tractor-trailer driven by Gerardo Cruz, 23, of Colonia La Mesa, Sonora, for a secondary inspection on Feb. 12.

A criminal complaint filed at U.S. District Court says Cruz acted suspiciously upon arriving at the port.

"When the primary CBP officer received the shipping paperwork from Cruz, the officer noticed that Cruz's hand was shaking and that he was sweating profusely," the complaint says.

A subsequent X-ray of the trailer showed anomalies in the load.

"Upon opening the rear doors, officers removed two pallets closest to the doors and observed multiple pallets with cardboard boxes on top," the complaint says. "The officers opened the cardboard boxes and discovered 708 packages."

A sample from the packages tested positive for marijuana.

"Near-record seizures such as this are the result of a combined effort by our officers, canine, and technology," said Guadalupe Ramirez, CBP's port director in Nogales.

He noted that the only larger marijuana seizure in state port history was the more than 20,000 pounds nabbed at the Mariposa port in November 2013.

Cruz reportedly waived his Miranda rights and told a federal investigator that that he agreed to cross the load into the United States in exchange for $4,000 after being pressured by traffickers. However, he said, he thought the men would kill him once he returned to Mexico, though he acknowledged that they never explicitly threatened to do so.

According to details contained in the complaint, Cruz said that once he crossed into the United States, he was to wait for a phone call to tell him where to go with the marijuana.

end



Fifth suspect arrested in Wise Street home invasion
Nogales International Updated Feb 16, 2016 (0)

http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/fifth-suspect-arrested-in-wise-street-home-invasion/article_2669db66-d4c7-11e5-afe9-1f6935b7772e.html

Gabriel Maldonado was arrested early Tuesday morning.
A fifth suspect in an armed home invasion on West Wise Street was arrested early Tuesday morning, a police official said.

Gabriel Maldonado, 21, was arrested at a residence on the 700 block of West Hughes Street after police received a tip that he was staying there with family members.

At around 3:50 a.m., officers with the Nogales Police Department went to the home and found Maldonado asleep on the couch. They arrested him without incident, said Sgt. Robert Fierros, a department spokesman.

He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on one count of first-degree burglary and five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The charges stem from a home invasion on Jan. 28 in which a group of armed men, dressed in tactical gear, forced their way into a home on West Wise Street and confronted several people, including a 2-month-old infant. A male victim was hit on the head with the muzzle of a long rifle before the assailants fled the scene in a vehicle.

During a press conference last Wednesday, NPD Chief Derek Arnson said an inter-agency operation, "Operation Safe Home," led to the arrest of four other suspects between Feb. 7-9.

The other four suspects – Miguel Huerta Zuniga, Armando Ruiz Valencia, Isaac Chaparro and Juan Ricardo Chaparro – were also booked into Santa Cruz County Jail and face one count of first-degree burglary and five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Ruiz Valencia is charged with an additional count of impersonating a police officer.

end




Note: and then this one: "Although criminal activity on the Arizona-Mexico border is reported to have been greatly reduced in recent years"


Border Patrol works to combat advanced activity
AALIYAH MONTOYA | DOUGLAS DISPATCH
Updated Feb 16, 2016


http://www.douglasdispatch.com/news/border-patrol-works-to-combat-advanced-activity/article_6179208a-d4d7-11e5-bf9a-d7b6ad5c0444.html

United States Border Patrol agents, as part of the Tucson Sector Horse Patrol hoof out 147 pounds of marijuana seized near Douglas on Feb. 10.

Although criminal activity on the Arizona-Mexico border is reported to have been greatly reduced in recent years, tactics remain persistent and more advanced than ever in our area, says Patrol Agent in Charge, Dion Ethell of the United States Border Patrol Douglas Station.

"It's no surprise that Douglas activity, in all of our illicit activity, is very similar in nature to what we see across Arizona," said Ethell. "The level of sophistication out here however, in terms of the criminal element, is high."

Part of the Tucson Sector Border Patrol, Ethell refers to activity around the Douglas Station as a constant cat and mouse game.

He added, "Across the board whether it be at my station or other stations, Tucson Sector Joint Task Force of West-Arizona is committed to continuing to counter those efforts that the criminal element throws at us."

An example of this effort is the station's work with CBP Air and Marine Operations to bring Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), or drones, to the area. The station works with assets in Fort Huachuca, Tucson, and areas around New Mexico to utilize the Predator UAS, a system manned surveillance operation.

"We see this as another tool in our tool belt. It's a great opportunity to build and use technology, which is important to our national strategy, and very important to us here in Douglas," Ethell said. "Every time that this UAS is up in the air, it gives us that added surveillance, capability, and situational awareness that we don't have when it's not flying."

A great asset, says Ethell, the Predator UAS does not fly 365 days a year. The Douglas Station works with Tucson assets to apply the appropriate enforcement posture with these UAS.

"Technology as a whole, really has benefited us out here in Arizona," said the patrol agent in charge. "We've talked about the complexity and sophistication of the criminal element, and being able to stay ahead, and technology gives us that advantage."

Ethell noted that the UAS are likely to be undetectable by the common civilian, and are primarily used in rural and remote areas that are difficult to surveillance otherwise.

"Activity is always ever changing, always dynamic in nature," Ethell claimed. "We're equally flexible and dynamic in our own, working with our partners to stay ahead."

The patrol agent in charge says his station is still leading the Tucson Sector in terms of activity, but adds it's a far cry from what it used to be. Although local statistics are unable to be disclosed, the Tucson Sector also seems to be leading in activity throughout the country, behind the Rio Grande Valley Sector out of Texas.


With stations in Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sonoita, Casa Grande, Ajo, and Willcox--and 11 checkpoints in Tucson-- the Tucson Sector reported 63,397 apprehensions and 14,481 Other Than Mexican apprehensions for 2015. Other Southwest Border Sectors, such as the Yuma Sector, reported only 7, 142 apprehensions and 3,297 Other Than Mexican apprehensions.

In 2015, the Tucson Sector led the county in apprehending 746,868 pounds of marijuana, compared to the El Paso sector who reported the apprehension of 60,030 pounds, and the Yuma Sector, 53,019 pounds.


"Activity is activity so we have to treat every crossing as important, every smuggling attempt, and every attempt to bring contraband into the United States," noted Ethell.

The Douglas Station is working to combat civilian exploitation, says Ethell, especially when involving youth, a persistent issue in the Douglas area.

"It's no surprise that the criminal element is looking for whatever they can to exploit," Ethell said. "Our youth are exceptionally susceptible to that, with the lure of easy money, and the opportunity to make a quick buck. These guys promise a lot, and it's just a real temptation for them to get involved."

Through the Operation Detour Program, Border Patrol agents are actively visiting schools to reinforce the message that border criminals are actively pursuing youth partners. Presenting--often graphic-- examples of consequences, the program works to stem young people from getting involved in any illicit border activity.

"It's a great opportunity to give back and share, and be able to have kids look up to police officers and agents," said Ethell. "We want them to understand that we're here to help them."

He continued, "I want everyone to know that we are committed to border security here, and protecting the citizens of Douglas and the outlining areas. We hope that everyone will continue being as engaged as they have been with us in helping us solve this problem together. The citizens who are involved are doing a great service to their county in helping us, so I appreciate the good work that has been done and extended to us."

end





Note: no info on immigration status if any.
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/nationwide-warrant-issued-for-missing-child-molester/article_71e9591e-d593-11e5-9847-031f681f3c8e.html

Friday, February 12, 2016

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 12-2-16

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 12 FEB 2016

Comment: of course, it is still a "sting". There is strong belief that it was actually a scheme against American's 2nd Amendment Rights rather than a "B" movie "plot". Especially given the background of some of the "planners". The very light sentences given the low level participants appears to confirm the suspicion.
BTW many of the F&F weapons recovered far outside the Sinaloa AOR.
Seems to be very little interest in US media.
Thx


New report sheds light on progress and improvements since botched 'Fast and Furious' sting
Megan Thompson
5:40 AM, Feb 12, 2016
3 hours ago

http://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/new-report-sheds-light-on-progress-and-improvements-since-botched-fast-and-furious-sting

A new report released this week is showing what progress has and has not been made since the failed gun-smuggling sting known as 'Fast and Furious' came to light.

This watchdog report from the Department of Justice shows there has been progress, but the Inspector General states - there is still more work to do.

Under the operation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives allowed gunrunners to actually buy weapons. The hope was that they would be able to track down those weapons and disrupt Mexican gun-smuggling rings.

However, the failed program was revealed right here in southern Arizona when at least one of the guns in "Fast and Furious" were found at the scene of the 2010 shooting that killed Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

Now, that new report states the organizations involved are doing much better, but could do more to improve.

Inspector General Michael Horowitz claim departments, including the ATF, are making significant progress since the aftermath of the botched program in 2012.

But, in a statement - Horowitz said that other agencies, "... had not taken sufficient steps to institute policies to avoid repetition of the errors we identified."

The report suggests putting in stronger policies in place when ti comes to firearm transfers, as well as suggesting the Drug Enforcement Administration revises policies on using confidential informants.

The DOJ said this isn't the end and that they will continue to monitor progress within it's departments.

END




Note: as usual, more and often better reporting from Mex. media.


With Fast and Furious, ATF risked public security in Mexico and the US
BY J. JESUS ​​ESQUIVEL
POSTED: February 11, 2016
ORGANIZED CRIME

http://www.proceso.com.mx/429679/con-rapido-y-furioso-atf-arriesgo-la-seguridad-publica-de-mexico-y-eu

WASHINGTON (approved) .- The office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Snuff, Firearms and Explosives (ATF, for its acronym in English) managed "irresponsibly" overseeing the Fast and Furious operation and Wide Receiver, risking the public security in Mexico and the United States, said in a statement the Department of Justice.

"We conclude that Fast and Furious operations and Wide Receiver were irresponsibly supervised by the office of ATF and DOJ in Phoenix (Arizona) and that the most significant failure was adequately considering the risks that this implied for public security in Mexico and the United States, "the report prepared by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice.

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Fast and furious: Arming "El Chapo"

El Chapo's weapon was from the Fast and Furious operation, reports Fox News
The new findings, which follow the first conducted by the Inspector General in 2012, further contends that the ATF headquarters in Washington "failed" to impose adequate supervision on the operations of arms trafficking orchestrated and conducted by the Phoenix office.

According to Michael Horowitz, Inspector General of the Department of Justice, failure to supervise operations of the two arms trafficking operations even with "the risks to public safety involved, threatened the US relationship with Mexico. "

The Fast and Furious and Wide Receiver operations were developed and applied by the ATF office in Phoenix to allegedly stop illegal arms trafficking to Mexico.

In 2008 and 2009, agents of the ATF office in Phoenix hired known arms traffickers in the region of the state of Arizona that buy wholesale and handed to other individuals in the southern border of the United States, those involved in taking illegally, weapons to Mexico.

Presumably the intention of the Phoenix ATF office was to track each of the weapons acquired under their supervision, in order to dismantle the smuggling of arms to Mexico, aimed at 'empowering' drug cartels.

Both Fast and Furious as Wide Receiver proved to be a failure, because the agents of the ATF's Phoenix office not only failed to track the whereabouts of hundreds of high-powered weapons to be acquired, but even caused a fatal incident of an US federal agent.

The December 14, 2010, Brian Terry, agent Customs and Border Protection, was killed in Rio Rico, Arizona, near the border with Mexico, just one of the weapons purchased by the Fast and Furious operation. Terry's death caused a scandal not only at the governmental level, but that the US Congress attempted the federal impeachment of then Attorney General Eric Holder, who was directly accused of the death of the agent by not to impose appropriate supervision operations ATF in Phoenix.

"We determined that the heads of ATF must recognize that these agents (Phoenix) did not take appropriate measures while arms purchases were made, which were made with a frequency and an alarming level therefore should terminate operations" a crushing Inspector General report delivered to Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

"Besides," Horowitz insists its conclusions, "we determined that some of the heads of ATF ignored warnings made by other agents that colleagues involved in the operations were not confiscating weapons, while having the authority to do so."

Horowitz's research highlighted in another section that differences with other federal agencies such as the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ATF caused the loss of several opportunities to investigate and capture characters directly involved in the transfer of arms and drugs.

"ATF failed to seize the opportunity they gave Fast and Furious to advance research to miss the information that gave the DEA, and may have served to identify significant suspects," he concludes.

As a result of the failure of the Fast and Furious operation and Wide Receiver, the same government and the federal Congress they have ensured that the vast majority of the weapons bought with the permission and supervision of the office of ATF in Phoenix ended up in the hands of Mexican drug traffickers, mostly members of the Sinaloa cartel.

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Con Rápido y Furioso, ATF arriesgó la seguridad pública de México y EU
POR J. JESÚS ESQUIVEL
PUBLICADO: 11 FEBRERO, 2016
CRIMEN ORGANIZADO

http://www.proceso.com.mx/429679/con-rapido-y-furioso-atf-arriesgo-la-seguridad-publica-de-mexico-y-eu

WASHINGTON (apro).– La oficina del Buró de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF, por sus siglas en inglés) manejó con "irresponsabilidad" la supervisión de las operaciones Rápido y Furioso y Receptor Abierto, poniendo en riesgo la seguridad pública de México y Estados Unidos, destacó en un informe el Departamento de Justicia.

"Concluimos que las operaciones Rápido y Furioso y Receptor Abierto fueron irresponsablemente supervisadas por la oficina de ATF y del Departamento de Justicia en Phoenix (Arizona), y que lo más significativo de su fracaso fue considerar de manera adecuada los riesgos que esto implicaba para la seguridad pública en México y Estados Unidos", indica el reporte elaborado por la Oficina del Inspector General del Departamento de Justicia.

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Rápido y furioso: Armas para "El Chapo"
Arma asegurada a El Chapo era del operativo Rápido y Furioso, reporta Fox News
Las nuevas conclusiones, que dan seguimiento a la primera que realizó el Inspector General en 2012, sostienen además que la oficina central de ATF en Washington "fracasó" en imponer una supervisión adecuada a las operaciones de tráfico de armas que orquestó y llevó a cabo la oficina en Phoenix.

De acuerdo con Michael Horowitz, Inspector General del Departamento de Justicia, el fracaso en la supervisión de las dos operaciones de tráfico de armas "supervisadas", incluso "por los riesgos a la seguridad pública que implicó, puso en riesgo la relación de Estados Unidos con México".

Las operaciones Rápido y Furioso y Receptor Abierto fueron desarrolladas y aplicadas por la oficina de ATF en Phoenix para presuntamente detener el tráfico ilegal de armas a México.

En 2008 y 2009, agentes de la oficina de ATF en Phoenix contrataron a reconocidos traficantes de armas de la región del estado de Arizona para que las compraran al mayoreo y las entregaran a otros individuos en la frontera sur de Estados Unidos, quienes se dedican a meter ilegalmente armamento a México.

Supuestamente la intención de la oficina de ATF en Phoenix era rastrear cada una de las armas adquiridas bajo su supervisión, para así poder desmantelar el tráfico ilegal de armas a México, enfocado a 'empoderar' bélicamente a los cárteles del narcotráfico.

Tanto Rápido y Furioso como Receptor Abierto resultaron ser un fracaso, porque los agentes de la oficina de ATF en Phoenix no sólo no pudieron rastrear el paradero de cientos de armas de alto poder que se adquirieron, sino que incluso provocaron un incidente fatal de un agente federal estadunidense.

El 14 de diciembre de 2010, Brian Terry, agente de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza, fue asesinado en Río Rico, Arizona, cerca de la frontera con México, justamente con una de las armas compradas por medio de la operación Rápido y Furioso. La muerte de Terry provocó no solo un escándalo a nivel gubernamental, sino que el Congreso federal estadunidense intentó someter a un juicio político al entonces procurador general Eric Holder, a quien buscó acusar directamente de la muerte del agente por no imponer supervisiones adecuadas a las operaciones de ATF en Phoenix.

"Determinamos que los jefes de ATF debieron reconocer que estos agentes (los de Phoenix) no instrumentaron las medidas adecuadas al tiempo que se hacían las compras de armas, y que se hacían con una frecuencia y a un nivel alarmante, por tanto debieron dar por terminadas a las operaciones", machaca el reporte del Inspector General entregado a la procuradora general Loretta Lynch.

"Además", insiste en sus conclusiones Horowitz, "determinamos que algunos de los jefes de ATF ignoraron las advertencias que hicieron otros agentes de que sus colegas involucrados en las operaciones no estaban confiscando las armas, aun teniendo la autoridad para hacerlo".

La investigación de Horowitz resalta en otro apartado que por diferencias con otras agencias federales, como la Administración Federal Antidrogas (DEA), ATF provocó la pérdida de varias oportunidades de investigar y capturar a personajes directamente involucrados en el trasiego de armas y de drogas.

"ATF fracasó en aprovechar la oportunidad que le dio Rápido y Furioso para avanzar en una investigación al desaprovechar la información que le dio la DEA, y pudo haber servido para identificar a un personaje sospechoso y significativo", remata.

Como resultado del fracaso de las operaciones Rápido y Furioso y Receptor Abierto, el mismo gobierno y el Congreso federal de Estados Unidos han asegurado que la gran mayoría de las armas compradas con la autorización y supervisión de la oficina de ATF en Phoenix terminaron en manos de narcotraficantes mexicanos, en su mayoría integrantes del cártel de Sinaloa.

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 11-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE 11 FEB 2016


Note: numerous issues in this one. Including that kidnapping is a felony in AZ.
"he's never seen a similar incident" Not a AZMEX reader?


Four arrested in Wise Street home invasion, one suspect outstanding
By Paulina Pineda
Nogales International Updated 21 hrs ago (2)
Home Invasion
Jonathan Clark

http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/four-arrested-in-wise-street-home-invasion-one-suspect-outstanding/article_ded9b9a0-d03a-11e5-8b76-730a1bec94cd.html

Nogales Police Chief Derek Arnson speaks to the media during a news conference Wednesday at City Hall as Assistant Chief Roy Bermudez listens.
Maj. Jack Johnson of the Arizona Border Strike Force Bureau at the Arizona Department of Public Safety speaks during the news conference.
Nogales Police Sgt. Robert Fierros opens the news conference Wednesday at City Hall.
Francisco Burrola, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Nogales talks about the federal role in the investigation.

Nogales Police Chief Derek Arnson speaks to the media at Wednesday's news conference. Behind him, from left: Assistant Cheif Roy Bermudez, Sheriff Antonio Estrada and County Attorney George Silva.
Four suspects were arrested this week and a warrant was issued for another in connection with a home invasion in Nogales last month.


The suspects, dressed in tactical gear and armed with long rifles and handguns, broke into a home on the 300 block of West Wise Street on Jan. 28, Nogales police said Wednesday.

Several people were inside the home during the break-in, including a 2-month-old infant. A male victim was treated at the scene for a laceration to his head after being hit with the muzzle of a long rifle, and investigators recovered five spent bullet casings.

Speaking during a news conference at Nogales City Hall, NPD Sgt. Robert Fierros said police linked the Wise Street home invasion to a similar incident in the Pete Kitchen neighborhood north of Nogales city limits on Jan. 10 in which the suspects also were seen wearing police gear.

NPD Chief Derek Arnson said the incident was "one that we took great offense to and we aggressively attacked."

In collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, the Arizona Border Strike Force Bureau at the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations in Nogales, the department launched "Operation Safe Home" on Jan. 29 to "restore safety to our homes and to our residents," Arnson said.

On Feb. 7, the NPD Criminal Investigations Division, with the help of the Tucson Police Department, arrested 29-year-old Juan Ricardo Chaparro for aggravated assault, first-degree burglary and three weapons offenses.

Chaparro was previously arrested on kidnapping charges in April 2015 in Nogales, but was subsequently released on his own recognizance and is now awaiting sentencing at Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

Then, after a search warrant was executed in Rio Rico on Feb. 7, investigators found evidence that directly linked the additional suspects to the Wise Street home invasion.

On Monday, a tactical operations team carried out five search warrants – four in Rio Rico and one in Nogales – which led to the arrests of 25-year-old Miguel Huerta Zuniga and 24-year-old Armando Ruiz Valencia. Both were charged with aggravated assault, first-degree burglary and three weapons offenses.

A fourth suspect, 22-year-old Isaac Chaparro, Juan Ricardo Chaparro's brother, was arrested on Tuesday.

Police are still searching for 21-year-old Gabriel Maldonado.

Arnson said nothing was taken from the home during the break-in and narcotics weren't found on the scene.

Because the case is still under investigation, County Attorney George Silva declined to comment on what type of evidence was discovered during the investigation, but added that his office is working with cooperating witnesses to build the case.

During his three years as police chief, Arnson said, he's never seen a similar incident in which the suspects disguised themselves as law enforcement officers.

"We live on a border," he said. "Ironically our crime stats, as well as the sheriff's crime stats, continue to decline … this isn't a community where these types of crimes are frequent."

Police did not specify what evidence caused them to link the Wise Street invasion with the incident at Pete Kitchen, and the current charges stem entirely from the Wise Street case.

END


Also: Atrapan a banda de asaltantes en Arizona
Detalles Publicado el Jueves 11 de Febrero de 2016,
Escrito por Rosalia Muñoz

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=66553

end




Border Strike Force Bureau Showing More Results Over Past Six Days
Bureau continues seizing drugs, firearms and stolen vehicles from all over the State
Thursday, February 11, 2016 -
Tim Case, Trooper
pio_unit@azdps.gov
(602)509-1854

http://www.azdps.gov/Media/News/View/?p=688

For Immediate Release

Arizona – The Arizona Department of Public Safety (ADPS) Border Strike Force Bureau has seized 3,743 pounds of marijuana, 51 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 pounds of cocaine, 10 pounds of heroin, three stolen vehicles, two firearms, and four arrest over the past six days.

Over the period of February 4th through 9th, the Border Strike Force Bureau has conducted numerous traffic stops throughout the State which have led Troopers to uncover criminal activity. Troopers have relied on their training and experience in these cases which have led to several thousand pounds of drugs being removed from circulation in our State and distribution around the country.

These seizures are a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of the Border Strike Force Bureau and all of the federal, county and municipal law enforcement partners involved. ADPS Captain Chris Hemmen said, "The activities of the Border Strike Force Bureau demonstrates the commitment of our Troopers on a daily basis to curb criminal activity throughout the State."

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is a state-level law enforcement agency whose mission is to protect human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity, ensuring highway and public safety.

end




Arrest man with 210 kilos of drugs
A man carrying over 200 kilograms of drugs in the back of a pick-up truck. Photo: GH
By: Drafting ElImparcial | 02/11/2016 11:24

http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/11022016/1053178-Aseguran-a-hombre-con-210-kilos-de-droga.html

Caborca, Sonora (GH)
During surveillance operations in the municipality of Caborca, yesterday was secured a man carrying over 200 kilograms of drugs in the back of a pick-up truck.

The detainee was identified as Uriel L., 31 years old, who was driving the Toyota Tundra where he had several packages with green grass like marijuana.

The seizure was made after intercepting the driver, as he drove without license plates and was exceeding speed limits, so he was arrested on the International road between calle 8 and 9 of the Pagasa colony.

During the search, found in the vehicle a total of 22 packages wrapped in tape, which were hidden under a tarp black.

The drugs seized showed an approximate weight to 210 kilograms of green grass, apparently marijuana being distributed to drug dealing would amount to 420,000 doses.

Because possession of drugs, the prisoner was transferred to the Federal Public Ministry, where appropriate inquiries continue.

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Sinaloa cartel controls production of synthetic drugs: Teran Contreras
by: Alejandro Monjardín on February 10, 2016

http://riodoce.mx/sincategoria/cartel-de-sinaloa-controla-produccion-de-drogas-sinteticas-teran-contreras

The Sinaloa Cartel is the group operating clandestine laboratories to manufacture synthetic drugs in the state, said the commander of the Ninth Military Zone, Rogelio Teran Contreras.

The military commander said that laboratories are located in areas controlled by the criminal group of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. "This year started very active with the laboratories we so far this year 12 laboratories, noting that they have already found some in the city of Mazatlan adjacent to San Ignacio and others here in Mocorito, is the impact of the high involved of detainees. "

"We know they are for the group Chapo Guzman and Mayo Zambada is the group operating where laboratories are," he said.

Teran Contreras said the criminal group continues with the planting of marijuana and has recently increased poppy production. "We've had a lot of seizures, daily we are destroying around 100, 120 plots and spraying another quantity, of poppy and marijuana, proliferating at this time is the poppy" he said.

finish

AZMEX POLICY 11-2-16

AZMEX POLICY 11 FEB 2016


Sonora will be point of aerial surveillance
Enrique Peña Nieto during his visit to Hermosillo noted that equipment and greater capacity of response is the best way to support this institution. Photo: Writing / GH

By: Alma Gonzalez | 11.02.2016 6:50

http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Sonora/11022016/1053066-Sonora-sera-punto-de-vigilancia-aerea.html


RELATED INFORMATION
Hermosillenses enjoy the air show
Teachers manifest during visit Peña Nieto
Perform air show
New aircraft is the state's, not the president's: EPN
Peña Nieto visits the facilities of the Region Air Headquarters


Hermosillo, Sonora (GH)

Due to its geographical features, the Northwest region of the country, requires infrastructure and advanced technology for proper surveillance, said yesterday the President of Mexico.

Enrique Peña Nieto during his visit to Hermosillo, Sonora, to mark the 101 anniversary of the Day of the Mexican Air Force, said that the equipment and greater capacity of response is the best way to support this institution.

Alongside Gov. Claudia Pavlovich Arellano, host of the event, he opened the facilities of General Headquarters Air Region Northwest and Air Squadron 204.

"With these facilities the military presence in the north-west it strengthens, an area that due to its geographical characteristics required more infrastructure and advanced technology for proper monitoring," he said.

To members of his security cabinet, state governors of Baja California, Durango, Chihuahua and Sinaloa, government officials and special guests, acknowledged the honor and unwavering loyalty of these elements of the Air Force.

REMEMBER Colosio

As part of this celebration, Peña Nieto recalled that 66 years ago, was born outstanding Sonoran and a great Mexican, Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta.

"A man who forged the culture of effort and not the privilege," he said, "like him, members of the Army, Navy, and the Mexican Air Force, are Mexicans who believe in the value of work and every day are prepared to excel and be better. "

Air Base Hermosillo will cover four states.

Miguel Enrique Vallín Osuna, commander of the Air Region of the Northwest, specified that the Mexican Air Force has four air regions covering the entire national territory.

In particular, the Northwest based in Hermosillo, is responsible for monitoring and defending the airspace of 382,000 square kilometers, comprising entities of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora and Sinaloa.

Since 2004, he said, it exerts the management, control and operational supervision, technical, administrative, discipline, of five air bases and a air station, a center for analysis, forecasting, dissemination and weather information.

"These organizations carry out operations in support of the territorial commands of the Army and Navy, with whom we have matching jurisdictions, thereby increasing the effectiveness of maritime, land and air operations," he said.

During the present administration, he added, without specifying numbers, they have managed seizing various aircraft, vehicles, narcotics and weapons.

finish

AZMEX UPDATE 10-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE 10 FEB 2016


More than 140 kg of 'crystal' in Sonoyta
Details Published on Wednesday February 10, 2016,
Written by Editorial
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=66460

Sonoyta.

Since the beginning of the administration to date, they have been seized in coordinated operations, 124,964 doses of drugs for drug dealing; 6.68 tons of drugs; and they have arrested 419 people for drug dealing in the state

This time more than 140 kilograms of drugs were seized yesterday morning as a result of the operational strategy against drug dealing that takes place in Sonoyta.

Members of the State Public Security Police (PESP), in coordination with personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), secured 55 containers where there was a substance similar to the drug known as "crystal".

The incident took place the first minutes of yesterday when units on travel surveillance made a chase of a gray Accura SUV, MDX which circulated on the Boulevard Eusebio Francisco Kino. The driver sped up and left the vehicle on the International Highway No. 2 section Sonoyta-San Luis Rio Colorado.

It was on the asphalt kilometer 18 where they secured the car and made the corresponding inspection found in the back four black suitcases, where there were 55 containers, each containing granulated substance and physically similar to "crystal".

After securing, the drug became available to the Attorney General of the Republic who is responsible for the appropriate arrangements.

The coordinated operation will continue with the operational strategy to combat crime, especially drug dealing, so it encourages participation by citizens calling 089 to report anonymously.

end




Note: updated from Earlier story.

Confiscated drugs, weapons and ammunition in the border Sonoyta

More than 140 kilograms of drugs were seized yesterday morning as a result of the operational strategy against drug dealing that takes place in Sonoyta.
Tribuna de San Luis
February 9, 2016

Fredy Mejia

http://www.oem.com.mx/tribunadesanluis/notas/n4075728.htm

Officers within Customs and Border Protection (CBP, for its acronym in English), seized more than 90 pounds of marijuana and five weapons in separate incidents in the Lukeville Port of Entry border with the Municipality of Plutarco Elias Calles (Sonoyta) , Sonora.

In a press release they detailed the Custom Border Protection who first detected whom identified as Nicolas Rodriguez Morales, 39, a native of that city, same as it referred for a secondary inspection of his 2006 Buick, while trying to cross into the United States.

Elements of the CBP decided to pass it to this area, after a canine agent alerted them about possible narcotics hidden in the vehicle.

When performing the thorough inspection, officers found more than 90 pounds of marijuana hidden throughout the vehicle, estimating that the drug has a street value of almost $ 50,000.

Also another incident, agents intercepted a suspicious Chevrolet Malibu 2008 and headed it for a secondary inspection before it was leaving for Mexico.

There the agents discovered a large shipment of several firearms, automatic weapons and ammunition, same as intended to smuggle them into the country.

Furthermore, the people arrested the driver who identified himself as Julian (Julia?) Higuera, 26, a US citizen who resides in the city of Phoenix.

The officers moved the two suspects to the Bureau of Investigation and National Security of the United States for investigation.

Garret Reinhart, chief of staff of the port of Lukeville, said that "any arms smuggling is significant, because they will not want them in the hands of people who try to harm our society on both sides of the border."

He said the CBP works closely with their counterparts in the Mexican customs and other local, state and federal agencies in the United States to stop illegal smuggling activities.

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Note: unknown at this time how they, allegedly prohibited possessors, allegedly gained possession of a firearm.

YCSO arrests two on murder charges

Posted by Eduardo Santiago Date: February 09, 2016in: NewsLeave a comment3640 Views
YCSO arrests two on murder charges

http://www.kyma.com/ycso-arrests-two-on-murder-charges/

YUMA, Ariz. – Deputies have arrested two El Salvadorian men in connection to the murder of a day laborer.

Francisco Hernandez, 24, and Jose Sorto, 19, are suspected of being responsible for the death of 27-year-old Emmanuel Alvarenga-Navarette, according to Captain Eben Bratcher with the Yuma County Sheriff Office (YCSO).

Navarette's body was found with multiple gun shot wounds near Avenue 9 1/4 and Highway 95 almost three weeks ago.

Bratcher says Hernandez and Sorto were both booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on charges of 1st degree murder.

Officials with the Yuma Justice Court said Hernandez was arrested Sunday. He is actually facing counts for two separate cases.
For the murder case he is facing one count of first degree murder, one count of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. He is being held without bond. He will be back in court February 17.
Hernandez' second case is tied to identity theft. He is facing two counts of forgery and three counts of taking the identity of another person.

Sorto was arrested Tuesday. He is being held on one count of first degree meditated murder and one count of first conspiracy to commit murder. Sorto is also being held without bond. He will be back in court Thursday.

YCSO officials say they encourage anyone with information on this homicide to contact investigator Guerra at (928) 783-4427, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by visiting their website www.yumacountysheriff.org

END




Note: TX, but typical along the border.

Four previously deported convicted sex offenders arrested
Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 6:25 pm | Updated: 6:39 pm, Wed Feb 10, 2016.
Special to the Times

http://www.lmtonline.com/front-news/article_f86e16ac-d055-11e5-ab31-b3d0e47d60eb.html

U.S. Border Patrol said Wednesday that agents from the Laredo Sector arrested four previously deported convicted sex offenders over a recent three-day period.
Daniel Perez-Lopez, a 32-year-old from El Salvador, was apprehended by Laredo South agents. During processing, agents discovered that in 2005, Perez-Lopez was convicted of assault and rape in 2005 in Prince William County, Virginia and sentenced to nine years confinement.

Benito Montiel-Ramiez, a 32-year-old from Mexico, was also apprehended by Laredo South agents. During processing, agents discovered that he had been convicted of aggravated sexual assault on a child in 2011 in Laredo and was sentenced to 10 years confinement.

Carlos Guzman-Zavala, a 37-year-old from Mexico, was apprehended by Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station. During processing, agents discovered that he had been convicted of aggravated sexual assault with a weapon in 2008 in the Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois and sentenced to four years confinement. He is a registered sexual offender.

Jose Guadalupe Grimaldo-Requena, a 30-year-old from Mexico, was apprehended by Border Patrol agents assigned to the Zapata Station. During processing, agents discovered that he had been convicted of sexual assault of a child in 2008 in a Dallas County District Court in Texas and sentenced to eight years confinement. He is a registered sex offender and was on parole until June 19, 2016.

"This is indicative of the efforts the men and women of the Laredo Sector Border Patrol make in keeping our community safe," said Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez.

end

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

AZMEX POLICY 8-2-16

AZMEX POLICY 8 FEB 2016

Note: photo at link, looks very much like U.S. supplied firearms.


There is no room for IMPUNITY
She ASSURED THAT COMES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF ACTS IN THE TOWN of Miguel Aleman
07 / Feb / 2016
Hermosillo, Sonora

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=10034

The crimes that arise in the State will not go unpunished, stressed Governor Claudia Pavlovich Arellano, warning Sonora is not fertile ground for those who want to commit crimes.

So governor Claudia Pavlovich said, accompanied by responsible state and municipal security and CISEN delegates and PGR, plus federal and military forces stationed in Sonora, to deliver 32 patrol vehicles to the State Public Security Police for operating proximity in Hermosillo, and weapons and uniforms to the elements of the Police Procedural Sonora State Prison System.

Governor Claudia Pavlovich also announced close coordination between corporations and municipal, state and federal agencies, as well as the Army and Navy.
"Today is a day on which we are responding to those who think that impunity and crime are having territory in Sonora. Those who think they are so very wrong; Here we will work in coordination, as we are seeing, all forces; the Navy, the Army, the Municipal Police, the State Police, the State Security Police, of course CISEN, PGR, the Federal Police. Here they will be working on coordination, facing the challenges we have to face, " she said.

Referring to the crime in the early hours of Friday that occurred in the town of Miguel Aleman, Governor Pavlovich Claudia refused to let it go unpunished, "but mostly we will work hard to ensure that does not happen again."

"Those who do not align with the issue of working with integrity on behalf of citizens, will be out of my government, and those criminals who want to make their territory in Sonora, tell them we're here many more Sonora well and many more Sonora we will work to live in peace, "he said. "Sonora is not fertile ground for crime, will continue to work with facts and responding with facts, with hard work and courage, because as a woman I do not lack the courage to confront impunity," she said.

The Secretary of Public Security, Adolfo Garcia Morales, said that of the 32 patrols gave the Governor of the State,
16 are type pick up,
5 type and Patriot

11 Interceptor patrol type, the latter reinforced with ballistic steel thickness fourth level 4 Plus, Plus Level 4 ballistic resistance against AR 15, AK47y UZI machine gun type.

The weapons and equipment consists of:
22 nine-millimeter pistols,
7 nine-millimeter pistols
17 assault rifles,
242 tactical combat shirts and pants,
121 trimmings, embroidered badges,
121 pairs of shoes,
500 locks nylon,
121 handcuffs,
121 riot shields
121 anti stab vests,
121 ballistic vests with plates and
121 lamps.
"The vehicles will be earmarked for social proximity to combat drug dealing and monitoring of the city of Hermosillo, for the work we have done together the mayor and the state government," he said.

Present during the event, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (STJ), Francisco Gutiérrez Rodríguez; Commander of the Fourth Military Zone, Brigadier General, Norberto Cortés Rodríguez ; Commander of the 45th Military Zone, Brigadier General, Celestino Avila Astadillo; Vice Admiral Anselmo Diaz Cid; Government Secretary, Miguel Ernesto pompa Corella; and the Attorney General of the State, Rodolfo Montes de Oca Mena. In addition, the Mayor of Hermosillo, Manuel Ignacio Acosta Gutiérrez; the Chief of the Center for Investigation and National Security (CISEN), Fernando Castro Miranda; the delegate of the Attorney General's Office (PGR), Dario Figueroa Navarro; State coordinator of the Federal Police Commissioner Raul Avila Ibarra; the Director General of State Police Investigator, Manuel Angel Barrios Macario; and Commissioner General of PESP, Alonso Ulises -Gómez Méndez Manuell.

END

AZMEX MEDIA SPECIAL 8-2-16

AZMEX MEDIA SPECIAL 8 FEB 2016

Note: photos, videos at links. TV news boys meet the border. Welcome to the real world.


Drug cartel scouts living in mountains south of Phoenix
Posted: Feb 05, 2016 6:16 PM MST
Updated: Feb 07, 2016 10:49 PM MST
By Morgan Loew
By Gilbert Zermeno
By Edward Ayala

Hiking up the side of one of the peaks above Hidden Valley. (Source: Morgan Loew)
CASA GRANDE, AZ (CBS5) -

The mountain peak provides 360-degree views of the desert below.

To the east, the homes and businesses of Casa Grande dot the landscape. To the north, the lights of Phoenix glimmer in the distance. But to the west and south, there is just desert as far as the eye can see.

[PHOTOS: Click here to see photos Morgan took while at the encampment]

It is this vantage point that is coveted by Mexican drug cartel scouts, stationed up here for weeks at a time, and tasked with one job: guiding drug shipments north from the border.

"They're radioing in, letting the smugglers know when it's time to start going," said Detective Eddie Castro, with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

Castro works on the smuggling unit. And business is brisk in this area, about 40 miles south of Phoenix, near Interstate 8. It's a straight shot through the desert from the border with Mexico.

"We've seen the big marijuana loads. We've seen cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine. We've kind of seen them all come through here," Castro said.

Castro points to the mountain range next to an area known locally as Hidden Valley.

"We've been told from five to seven scouts are sitting in this area and guiding them through here," said Castro.

Pinal County has begun arresting and charging the scouts with conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the United States, but as often as they are arrested on top of these peaks, they are quickly replaced.

At this point in the story, it makes sense to switch to writing in first person, because the day after Detective Castro guided us through the smuggling hot spots, CBS 5 producer Gilbert Zermeno and I decide to hike up the side of one of the peaks above Hidden Valley to see if we can find evidence that the cartel scouts are really up there.

The side of the mountain is steep, with no trail to follow. We can see signs that others have been on this mountain. It makes sense because the range is so close to a neighborhood. But we do not see the tell-tale signs of illegal immigration or drug smuggling: garbage and clothing.

About halfway up the mountain, we decide that Gilbert will stop, film me from that spot, and I will continue to the top, using my cell phone video camera to capture what I see.

As I climb up the final rock escarpment and pull myself up over the ledge, I immediately realize that I'm no longer by myself. A lone man, sitting under a tree next to a cactus, dressed in camouflage, listening to a police scanner, holding a large bag of cell phones and extra batteries looks up at me, and his expression mixes fear, alarm, and hostility.

"Yo soy periodista!" I yell, as I put my arms into the air. In my broken and somewhat frantic Spanish, I tell him that I'm a journalist and that I am not working with any law enforcement agencies, but I do want to interview him.

I'm looking to see if he reaches for a gun, which he does not. He tells me he does not want me to take pictures of him or his camp, and tells me I need to leave the mountaintop.

I walk through the camp, trying to make small talk in Spanish, recording the conversation with my phone, but not videotaping him. What I see amazes me. It's like a small military forward operating base. I see gear boxes covered in camouflage material, bags shoved into cracks in the boulders, a kitchen with a stove set up under a rock overhang (I assume to avoid detection by helicopters) and solar panels set out to recharge the scouts' electronic equipment.

As I make it to the back side of the peak, I hear more voices. The thought of running into more of them gets me thinking that I need to start hiking back down the hill – and quickly.

I walk back through the camp, this time using my phone camera in a covert manner to take video. What's the point of being up here and seeing this if I can't document it?

The scout asks me again if I'm working with the police. I tell him that I am not, and drop down the side of the mountain. It looks like he was talking to someone on his two-way radio, and I want to get back down the hill before he changes his mind and doesn't let me go.

All in all, it took 1 1/2 hours to get to the top of the mountain. It took me 12 minutes of running, falling and sliding to reach the bottom.

My final thought before getting into my car is that I can't believe this is happening so close to the Valley. It's just 40 miles south of Phoenix.


DRUG CARTEL SCOUTS LIVING IN MOUNTAINS SOUTH OF PHOENIX
Feb 7, 2016 11:47 AM
US Border Patrol and other law enforcement officials say they're finding drug cartel scouts, living in the mountains between the border with Mexico and Phoenix. They guide drug shipments up from Mexico, and warn the smugglers when officers are nearby.
Morgan Loew

Read more: http://www.cbs5az.com/story/31154548/drug-cartel-scouts-living-in-mountain-ranges-south-of-phoenix#ixzz3zc3qT5X0




Note: remake of a story done by former ch. 10 reporter Brit Moreno two or three years ago.

Drug smugglers setup lookout points in Pinal County
By: Troy Hayden
POSTED:FEB 08 2016 09:18PM MST
UPDATED:FEB 08 2016 10:36PM MST

http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-news/87017200-story

PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. (KSAZ) - The United States spends billions of dollars a year securing the border with Mexico, but there are some major holes. All you have to do is look south of the valley where cartels are openly operating one of the busiest drug corridors in the country, and they are doing it with the help of scouts placed in strategic hideouts.

FOX 10's Troy Hayden checked out one of the hideouts while riding with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

end

Monday, February 8, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 8-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE 8 FEB 2016

Note; another busy AZMEX day.


Note: "automatic weapons"?

Posted: Feb 08, 2016 1:31 PM MST
Updated: Feb 08, 2016 1:31 PM MST
CBP seizes marijuana, guns at Lukeville Port
Written By Jenni Gellman

http://www.kvoa.com/story/31169155/cbp-seizes-marijuana-guns-at-lukeville-port

LUKEVILLE, Ariz. - In separate incidents on February 6, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations officers seized more than 90 pounds of marijuana and five weapons at the Port of Lukeville.

During a secondary inspection of 39-year-old Nicholas Rodriguez Morales' 2006 Buick, a CBP canine led officers to the discovery of more than 90 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $50,000, hidden throughout the vehicle.

CBP said Morales is from Sonoyta, Mexico.

Also on Saturday, CBP officers inspected and discovered several handguns, automatic weapons and ammunition inside U.S. citizen Julia Higuera's 2008 Malibu.

Both suspects have been turned over to U.S. Homeland Security for further investigation.

"Any weapons seizure is significant," said Garret Reinhart, the port's Chief of Staff. "As a result, these weapons will not make it into the hands of people seeking to cause harm upon our society."

CBP will continue to work in partnership with Mexican customs and U.S. agencies of all levels to prevent smuggling.

end



Posted: Feb 08, 2016 3:42 PM MST
Updated: Feb 08, 2016 3:42 PM MST
CBP: Largest load of methamphetamine seized in Arizona port history
Written By News 4 Tucson Staff

http://www.kvoa.com/story/31170444/cbp-largest-load-of-methamphetamine-seized-in-arizona-port-history

CBP officers seized over $1.1 million in methamphetamine at Port of Nogales / Photo: CBP

NOGALES, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection says they seized the largest load of methamphetamine in Arizona port history on Friday, finding more than 387 pounds in a tractor-trailer at the Port of Nogales.

CBP says Juan Rodolfo Lugo-Urias, 35, was sent to a secondary inspection after a canine alerted on his tractor-trailer loaded with bell peppers.

Officers found nearly 400 packages in the trailer's front wall and rear doors. CBP says the load has an estimated value of $1.1 million.

"This significant interception is a testament to the vigilance and skills of the dedicated officers at the Port of Nogales," said Nogales Port Director Guadalupe Ramirez.

Lugo-Urias, a Mexican citizen, was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.

end



NPD responds to assault on agent, counterfeit money transfer, vehicle fire
Nogales International Updated 2 hrs ago (0)

http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/npd-responds-to-assault-on-agent-counterfeit-money-transfer-vehicle/article_522ae4b0-cea6-11e5-99fe-0b4381709335.html

A vehicle burns on 1000 block of N. Las Americas Drive on the afternoon of Feb. 4.
A juvenile was accused of assaulting a Border Patrol agent and two people were busted after trying to conduct a wire transfer with counterfeit money during a pair of recent Nogales Police Department actions.

In addition, NPD officers responded to a vehicle fire on the 1000 block of N. Las Americas Drive at shortly after 5 p.m. Feb. 4, but there were no injuries and the Nogales Fire Department extinguished the blaze.

Earlier Feb. 4 at approximately 2:22 p.m., an NPD officer responded to the U.S. Border Patrol Station after receiving a report of an assault on an agent that happened the evening before. The officer was told that agents had been in the process of arresting six illegal immigrants hiding in the area of Mariposa and Green canyons when a male juvenile tried to run away.

An agent chased and caught the suspect, who allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted. The agent suffered what was described as a "minor" injury during the confrontation and NPD arrested the juvenile and booked him into the Santa Cruz County Juvenile Detention Center.

At approximately 3:48 p.m. Feb. 3, an NPD officer responded to Wal-Mart in regard to two people who had allegedly tried to use $2,050 in counterfeit funds to make a wire transfer.

The suspects, 34-year-old, Robert Mendoza, of Norwalk, Calif. and 46-year-old Mary Cox, of Cottonwood, Ariz., were later stopped at the Border Patrol's checkpoint on Interstate 19.

"They were escorted back to the Nogales Police Department and the suspects were interviewed by the U.S. Secret Service," NPD said in a news release.

end




Note: But wait, there's more:

Kill three dead
08 / Feb / 2016
CAMPOS-RUBIO Alfonso

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=10062

CAJEME

As a result of the growing crime wave in this municipality, in the early hours of Sunday, in separate actions another two executions perpetrated against Ramón Arnoldo Rentería D. (aka) "El Chapo" or " El Maquico "and Jose Manuel Gutierrez Perez (aka)" El Chino ", 42 and 28, in both cases without an arrest.

Spokesman for the Sonora State Police said initially, around 05:20 hours at the gateway to the house number 1405-B of the Ley Federal del Trabajo, street, colonia Infonavit-Cinco de Mayo, was shot Ramón Arnoldo Renteria D., "El Chapo" or "El Maquico" no shell casings were found, noting that he had a criminal record for theft of mechanically propelled vehicle theft concurrent aggravated robbery and people.

Also, an hour later in the streets Santa Ofelia and Santa Olivia, fractionation El Campanario, at house number 701, after a verbal brawl arise José Manuel Gutiérrez Pérez (aka) "El Chino" and another nicknamed "El Cholo, "he pulled from his clothes a .45 caliber pistol to shoot "point blank ", impacting it mortally on his left cheek, recovering two casings of that caliber.

Shooting leaves dead and wounded.

EMPALME.- Around three in the morning on Sunday in Sahuaral streets, between Segunda and Tercera, colonia El Sahuaral, the passengers of a white 2013 Ford "Focus", plates WCT-30-10, opened fire at Jacinto Molina Maldonado and Julio Encino Cruz , 56 and 26, mortally injured the first and wounded the latter, then retreating at full speed.

So after taking the wounded to a hospital, he was diagnosed wound caused by projectile in his right leg and left ankle, while said vehicle was found abandoned minutes later on the streets of De las Americas and Constitucion, in the Ortiz Rubio colony.

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PGR seizes over 6 lbs of "crystal"
Tribuna de San Luis
February 7, 2016

http://www.oem.com.mx/tribunadesanluis/notas/n4073786.htm

San Luis Rio Colorado- Regarding the arrest of two suspects occurred Thursday night in alley Kino and Cuarta, one of the rental premises, were seized 2 pounds "crystal", yesterday shortly after 14:00 during raid by the prosecutor of the Federation with the support of local police and elements of the Criminal Investigation Agency, were seized over 6 pounds of "crystal" and a AR-15 rifle.

As it was unveiled, the detainees were identified as Oswal Giovanny Rubio Aviles, alias "El Gio", 31 and Ernesto Alonso Serrano Contreras, 43, residing in Avenue Colima C 26 and 27, fractionation Villa Colonial and callejon Madero and 19, respectively.

It was locals who report the presence of suspicious people in a place that had a half open curtain, led to the mobilization of agents of the units 2150 and 2166 of the headquarters of Police and Transit, as at 21:30 from Thursday.

Arriving saw a black 1992 Toyota Tacoma pickup, without plates parked and suddenly saw it leaving the premises, Rubio Aviles, who tried to flee.

Upon inspection, they found a package containing granular substance similar to methamphetamine and three mobile phones.

At that time Serrano Contreras was also controlled to be searched found a similar package and a cell phone.

By looking through a window the local agents they realized that it was a black rifle and on the seat a magazine, so they told the prosecutor of the Federation, who ordered custody.

Later in the station to be verified the name of Ernesto Alonso Serrano, it appeared that he also used the name of Jesus Manuel Serrano Rojo, who has an arrest warrant for murder with a firearm and homicide capable of attempts at the expense of Sergio Omar Lopez Rodriguez and Everardo Rubio Lopez .

Drugs and rifle were taken to the local offices of the Attorney General of the Republic, for the corresponding legal purposes.

END

Sunday, February 7, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE2 6-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE2 6 FEB 2016

Note: more details. Battle for control of the AZMEX border continues.


MASACRE: 7 dead
The violence occurred in Miguel Aleman Sonora
06 / Feb / 2016
CAMPOS-RUBIO Alfonso

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=9982

HERMOSILLO

Armed commando composed of at least ten subjects with camouflage garments, hoods, carrying AK-47's and AR-15's and 9 mm caliber pistols, yesterday morning shot eight subjects killing six of them, and a homeless man who took shelter of low temperatures in a garage where the incident occurred, no arrests so far.

This was reported jointly by the Attorney Rodolfo Montes de Oca Mena, Secretary of Public Security, Adolfo Garcia Morales, the delegate of the PGR, Dario Figueroa Navarro and Commissioner General Ramses Arce Fierros, head of the Municipal Police of the capital .

The shooting was reported around 02:00 hours in the garage "Carlos," located on the edge of highway 100, also known as Bahia de Kino, at the east entrance of Miguel Aleman, 68 kilometers from the capital, where were the bodies of six people, five of them had been kidnapped, and the homeless, as well as two more injured, of whom died at the hospital of the IMSS, while in one of the two where houses were deprived of freedom was one of the injured survivors.

Identified six of the deceased as
Angel Francisco Castro Landey, 27, of the community;
Elfego Contreras Hermosillo (39), Chínipas, Chihuahua;
Luis Alfredo Reyes Armenta (23) of Hermosillo, Sonora;
Marco David Guevara Hermosillo (33) of Alamos, Sonora;
Daniel Martin Encinas Torres (23) of Choix, Sinaloa and
Martin Huérigo Solis (24);
as well as the homeless man who was not carrying any identification.

While one of the injured was identified as Raul Santiago Cruz Felix (20), who had impacts of projectiles in his left leg, the other in the right pelvis and a third on the buttocks, which passed through from side to side; and Enrique Ceballos Arzate (50), with similar injury to his left leg and one in right buttock; who after first aid in the town of Miguel Aleman were transferred, under heavy police surveillance to the General State Hospital in the capital.

Recovered at the scene of of the multiple murders 120 shell casings of calibres 7.62x39 mm, .223 and 9mm, the first shots fired with AK-47's, better known as "goat horn", AR-15's, known as "chanates "and pistols of said diameter on the inside of the barrel.

It was also indicated that just before the execution, a house on Veinte de Noviembre and Morelos streets of that settlement on the Costa de Hermosillo came a "pick-up" white, which dropped several subjects with such garments and weapons, then they break in and violently deprived of liberty, Luis Alfredo Reyes Armenta, Marco Davis Guevara Hermosillo, and Daniel Martin Encinas Torres.

While at another house, this one in Benito Juarez and Lateral Norte, came a similar vehicle, color gold, where similar operation was carried out, Raul Santiago Cruz Felix, Angel Francisco Castro Landey, Elfego Contreras Hermosillo and an unknown person, left injured with shot in the leg and buttock was Enrique Ceballos Arzate.

Immediately both vehicles headed to the eastern exit of Miguel Aleman, then with the kidnapped to the workshop "Carlos" and "shoot them" as well as giving the "coup de grace". The bullets also deprived of life to the homeless man, to which the property owners allowed him to spend the night to keep warm.

fin



MASACRE: 7 MUERTOS
LOS VIOLENTOS HECHOS SUCEDIERON EN EL POBLADO MIGUEL ALEMÁN
06/Feb/2016
Alfonso CAMPOS-RUBIO

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=9982

HERMOSILLO

Un comando armando compuesto por cuando menos diez sujetos, con vestimentas de camouflaje, pasamontañas, portando metralletas AK-47 y AR-15, así como pistolas del calibre 9 mm, "levantaron" la madrugada de ayer a ocho sujetos dando muerte a seis de ellos, así como a un indigente que se resguardaba de las bajas temperaturas en un taller mecánico donde ocurrieron los hechos, sin que hasta el momento se registrara detención alguna.

Lo anterior fue informado en conjunto por el procurador Rodolfo Montes de Oca Mena, el Secretario de Seguridad Pública, Adolfo García Morales, el delegado de la PGR, Darío Figueroa Navarro y el comisario general Ramsés Arce Fierros, jefe de la Policía Municipal de esta capital.

La balacera fue reportada alrededor de las 02:00 horas en el taller mecánico "Carlos", ubicado a la orilla de la carretera Cien, conocida como a Bahía de Kino, entrada oriente del poblado Miguel Alemán, a 68 kilómetros de esta capital, donde víctimas de los balazos quedaron los cadáveres de seis personas, cinco de ellas de los levantados y el indigente, así como más dos lesionados, de los cuales murió uno al prestársele los primeros auxilios en el hospital del IMSS, mientras que en una de las dos casas de donde fueron privados de la libertad quedó otro de los heridos sobrevivientes.

Identificándoseles a seis de los occisos como Ángel Francisco Castro Landey, de 27 años, de dicha comunidad; Elfego Contreras Hermosillo (39), Chínipas, Chihuahua; Luis Alfredo Reyes Armenta (23), de Hermosillo, Sonora; Marco David Guevara Hermosillo (33), de Álamos, Sonora; Daniel Martín Encinas Torres (23), de Choix, Sinaloa y Martín Huérigo Solís (24); así como el indigente que no portaba identificación alguna.

Mientras sobre los lesionados uno se identificó como Raúl Santiago Cruz Félix (20), quien presentó impactos de proyectiles de arma de fuego en pierna izquierda, otra en la pelvis derecha y una tercera en los glúteos, que lo pasó de lado a lado; así como Enrique Ceballos Arzate (50), con lesión similar en pierna izquierda y otra en nalga derecha; quiénes tras prestárseles los primeros auxilios en el poblado Miguel Alemán se les trasladó y encamó, bajo fuerte vigilancia policial en el Hospital General del Estado en esta capital.

Recuperándose en la escena del múltiple crimen 120 casquillos percutidos de los calibres 7.62 por 39 mm, .223 y 9 mm, disparados los primeros con metralletas AK-47, mejor conocidos como "cuerno de chivo", AR-15, conocidos como "chanates" y pistolas de dicho diámetro en la parte interna del cañón.

Asimismo, se indicó que momentos antes de la ejecución, a la vivienda de las calles Veinte de Noviembre y Morelos, del citado asentamiento humano en la Costa de Hermosillo llegó un "pick-up", blanco, de donde bajaron varios sujetos con dichas vestimentas y pertrechos, para luego de irrumpir violentamente se llevaron privados de la libertad a Luis Alfredo Reyes Armenta, Marcos Davis Guevara Hermosillo y Daniel Martín Encinas Torres.

Mientras que de otra casa, ésta en Benito Juárez y Lateral Norte, llegó vehículo similar, dorado, de donde en similar operativo se llevaron a Raúl Santiago Cruz Félix, Ángel Francisco Castro Landey, Elfego Contreras Hermosillo y un desconocido, para también dejar lesionado con balazos en una pierna y gluteo a Enrique Ceballos Arzate.

Inmediatamente ambos vehículos enfilaron a la salida oriente del Miguel Alemán, para luego bajar a los "levantados" en el taller "Carlos" y prácticamente "fusilarlos", además de darles el "tiro de gracia". Los proyectiles también privaron de la existencia al indigente, al que dueños del inmueble le permitían pernoctar para protegerse del frío.

fin

Saturday, February 6, 2016

AZMEX UPDATE 6-2-16

AZMEX UPDATE 6 FEB 2016


RESS RELEASES
Troopers Arrest Suspected Drug Smugglers Caught in the Act
Brief pursuit ends in arrest of three people
Friday, February 5, 2016 -
http://www.azdps.gov/Media/News/View/?p=683

On February 5, 2016, at approximately 12:51 a.m., a DPS Trooper attempted to stop two vehicles traveling at high rates of speed northbound on State Route 85 at milepost 121. Earlier, suspects were seen loading up the vehicles with drugs along Interstate 8. One vehicle was stopped northbound on State Route 85 at milepost 142. The driver was taken into custody. A passenger jumped off a bridge and escaped on foot. He is still at large.

Troopers searching the vehicle discovered an AR-15 rifle along with a handgun and five bundles of marijuana. They later found a bundle of marijuana along Interstate 8 close to where the suspects were originally spotted. The total weight of the marijuana seized was 147.5 pounds, with a street value of almost $80,000.

The other vehicle was eventually stopped. Two people were arrested but nothing was found in the car.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is a state level law enforcement agency whose mission is to protect human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity, ensuring highway and public safety.

END




Note: "atypical"? just one of several mass killings in Sonora in past few months. 120 rounds?

Kill 7 in a garage in the Town of Miguel Aleman
Details Published on Saturday February 6, 2016,
Written by Jesus Esquer / El Diario

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=66309

Hermosillo.

The Attorney General of the state, with the state Department of Public Safety, the delegation of the PGR and Municipal Public Security Bureau admitted to being seven dead in the attack registered in Miguel Aleman, plus two injured, but as of yesterday have no detainee.

Rodolfo Montes de Oca, along with Adolfo Garcia Morales, Dario Figueroa Navarro and Ramses Arce Fierro considered the situation as atypical for Sonora and therefore will react with just over 60 elements of SESP, 15 patrols, 2 armored tactical units reaction and a helicopter, followed by six agents of the federation, together with a deputy and coordinator and 24 elements of the Federal Police.

"There are nine victims, which are seven people who are dead and two injured," he said that the multiple murder occurred after gunmen deprived of their liberty, three people inside a home that drugs were sold, and then repeated the action against four other men.

He explained that according to investigations, criminals, dressed in clothes like military camouflage and twho were traveling in two late model pickups, gathered all the hostages in the mechanics shop named 'Carlos' and found the dead and injured, with by at least 120 shots from firearms of different calibers, such as .223, 7.69 and 9 mm.

Montes de Oca said that the PGJE identified

Angel Francisco Castro Landei, 27;
Alfredo Contreras Hermosillo , 39;
Luis Alfredo Reyes Armenta, 23;
Marcos David Guevara Hermosillo, 33;
Martin Encinas Daniel Torres, 23,

and a couple of people who were not identified by not having an identification among their belongings, including a homeless man who took shelter from the cold.

He added that Raul Santiago Cruz Felix, 20, was injured in the attack and was left with three wounds caused by projectiles, one in the left leg, one on the right lower limb and one on the right buttock with exit the left buttock.

The second injured, Enrique Ceballos Arzate, 50, a wound in his left leg, and a second on the right buttock and were taken to Hermosillo for medical care.

They explained that the dead Guevara Hermosillo, Contreras Hermosillo and Reyes Armenta had previous convictions for federal offenses, robbery with violence in the home and injuries that take more than a fortnight to heal.

finish



They seize more than two tons of "pot" in Sonoyta
Details Published on Saturday February 6, 2016,
Written by Marco A. Manriquez / El Diario

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=66304

Caborca.

The seizure of the drugs made by SEDENA, Marina and PESP.
A total of 2,340 kilograms of marijuana were seized by members of the Navy, Army and PESP, early yesterday morning, around 04:00 hours, in the municipality of Sonoyta.

The seizure was carried out by kilometer 222 of the Caborca-Sonoyta highway section (almost 3 kilometers in, towards the line) when the members of the joint operation saw that the drugs, 'wrapped' in masking tape, was hidden in a mesquite bush.

In total there were 209 packages, all of which were transferred to AMPF based in the municipality where the director ordered the start of the relevant proceedings.

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Matan a 7 en taller mecánico en el Poblado Miguel Alemán
Detalles Publicado el Sabado 06 de Febrero de 2016,
Escrito por Jesús Esquer / El Diario

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=66309

Hermosillo.

La Procuraduría General de Justicia del estado, junto a la Secretaría de Seguridad Pública estatal, la delegación de la PGR y la Dirección de Seguridad Pública Municipal admitieron que fueron siete el total de muertos en el ataque registrado en el Poblado Miguel Alemán, además de un par de lesionados, sin que hasta ayer se tenga a un detenido.

Rodolfo Montes de Oca, junto a Adolfo García Morales, Darío Figueroa Navarro y Ramsés Arce Fierro consideró la situación como atípica para Sonora y por eso va a reaccionar con poco más de 60 elementos de la SESP, 15 patrullas, 2 unidades tácticas blindadas de reacción y un helicóptero, seguido de seis agentes del ministerio público de la federación, junto a un subdelegado y coordinador y 24 elemento de la Policía Federal Ministerial.

"Son nueve víctimas, de los cuales son siete personas que se encuentran occisas y dos lesionados", declaró para abundar que el múltiple asesinato se dio después que un grupo armado privó de su libertad a tres personas que estaban dentro de un domicilio, en el que se vendía droga, y después repitieron la acción en contra de cuatro hombres más.

Explicó que de acuerdo a las investigaciones, los delincuentes, vestidos con prendas tipo camuflaje militar y quienes se desplazaban en dos pick up de reciente modelo, juntaron a todos los secuestrados en el taller mecánico de nombre 'Carlos' y ahí se hallaron a los muertos y lesionados, todos por al menos 120 disparos de armas de fuego de distintos calibres, como .223, 7.69 y 9 milímetros.

Montes de Oca mencionó que la PGJE identificó a Ángel Francisco Castro Landei, de 27 años; Alfredo Contreras Hermosillo, de 39; Luis Alfredo Reyes Armenta, 23; Marcos David Guevara Hermosillo, 33; Daniel Martín Encinas Torres, 23, además de un par de personas que no fueron identificadas al no contar con una identificación entre sus pertenencias, entre ellas un indigente que se resguardaba del frío.

Agregó que Raúl Santiago Cruz Félix, de 20 años, quedó lesionado después del ataque y quedó con tres heridas producidas por proyectil de arma de fuego, una en la pierna izquierda, otra en el miembro pélvico derecho y otro en el glúteo derecho con salida en el glúteo izquierdo.

El segundo lesionado, Enrique Ceballos Arzate, de 50 años, presentó una herida en la pierna izquierda, además de una segunda en el glúteo derecho y fueron trasladados a Hermosillo para recibir atención médica.

Detallaron que los muertos, Guevara Hermosillo, Contreras Hermosillo y Reyes Armenta contaban con antecedentes penales por los delitos del fuero federal, robo con violencia en casa habitación y lesiones que tardan más de quince días en sanar.

fin


Decomisan más de dos ton de "mota" en Sonoyta
Detalles Publicado el Sabado 06 de Febrero de 2016,
Escrito por Marco A. Manríquez / El Diario

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=66304

Caborca.

La confiscación del enervante la realizaron elementos de la Sedena, Marina y la PESP.
Un total de 2 mil 340 kilogramos de marihuana, fueron asegurados por elementos de la Secretaría de Marina, Ejército Mexicano y PESP, la madrugada de ayer, alrededor de las 04:00 horas, dentro del municipio de Sonoyta.

El decomiso se efectuó por una brecha ubicada a la altura del kilómetro 222 del tramo carretero Caborca-Sonoyta (casi a 3 kilómetros adentro, rumbo a la línea divisoria), cuando los integrantes del operativo conjunto lograron percatarse que dicha droga vegetal, 'embultada' en cinta canela, estaba oculta entre unos mezquites.

En total fueron 209 paquetes confeccionados rectangularmente, mismos que fueron trasladados hasta la AMPF con asiento en dicho municipio, donde su titular dispuso del inicio de las diligencias correspondientes.

fin