Pubdate: Tue, 15 May 2012
Source: Spectrum, The ( St. George, UT)
Copyright: 2012 The Spectrum
Contact: http://www.thespectrum.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.thespectrum.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2483

DRUG PROBLEMS

The violence to the south of the American border took another 
gruesome turn this weekend when authorities discovered a site with 49 
headless and otherwise mutilated bodies. The discovery was made near 
the town of San Juan, near the Texas border. A welcome sign near the 
site reportedly was tagged with the saying "100% Zeta," referencing 
one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels.

The discovery is both sad and scary because of the violence on 
display and the tie-in to the drug trade. Unfortunately, the United 
States contributes greatly to the power of the Zetas and other 
cartels because of the appetite in this country for illegal 
mind-altering drugs.

The drug cartels make considerable money in the United States by 
smuggling over drugs, selling them here and then putting money back 
into their operations, in large part for guns and other weaponry that 
keep the cycle of violence in motion.

Some people argue the answer is to legalize drugs. Regulate them and 
then take away the financial reward for the cartels. Others counter 
that legalization just will make the drugs more prevalent, which then 
will make our roads more hazardous with intoxicated drivers and other crimes.

It would be far better for Mexico to get its house in order.

The Mexican government has attempted to step up efforts since 2006, 
when its president announced a stepped-up effort to better control 
cartels. But that effort has failed. More than 47,500 people have 
died since then because of drugs.

Why should Southern Utahns care? Because in some instances, marijuana 
marketed by these kinds of cartels is grown in the backcountry of 
this part of the state. We've seen local law enforcement here step up 
efforts to stop these pot farms, and they continue to survey the 
hills and mountainsides to prevent these growers from taking hold 
here. The difference between here and Mexico is that local law 
enforcement officers' efforts appear to be working.

It's about that time of year when marijuana farms start popping up. 
If you are out hiking or otherwise enjoying the outdoors and come 
across marijuana plants or irrigation pipes or campsites outside of 
regular campgrounds, quietly turn around and leave by the same way 
you entered as quickly as possible. Once you are to safety, call 911 
and report what you saw and where you saw it.

Following those steps can help you stay safe and can help area law 
enforcement officers in their effort to reduce or stop the flow of 
drugs into our region.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom