citizens, the majority responded yes, to continue fighting the traffickers. It needs to be done for a safer environment. The Mexican people want to rid their country of kidnappings. Another reason Mr. Gaddis revealed is each kilo of methamphetamine produced creates 5 kilos worth of its own waste.
One can’t be sure how it is disposed of: down water pipes, absorbed in the soil or evaporation into the air. In any case, the people of Mexico should not have to deal with this unwanted waste.
The battle against this cancerous crime will not be easy. The technology of organized crime outpaces that of the government. The government is playing catch up. Examples of how their technology is advanced include their ability to jam law enforcement communication and high firepower technology, consequently producing high fatalities. The technology tends to come from the United States, something Gaddis says the U.S. wants to prevent. However, there is hope.
If their technology can’t be beat, what can one do? It’s quite simple: make changes in behavior. For instance, in order to prevent a kidnapping make some modifications in your daily life. For example: change your routine, take different routes to and from work, keep a low profile and don’t loiter after an event. These small changes make all the difference.
In the case that one becomes a hostage, Mr. Gaddis urges not to look at the kidnapper(s). The number one decisive factor for killing a hostage is the fact they were a witness to their own crime. They saw the kidnapper or knew who the kidnapper was. Gaddis suggested using all other senses instead of sight to help one decipher their surroundings and kidnappers. Can you smell something distinctive? What type of food do they feed you? Can you hear a train, micro or taxis? What is the weather like?
These can all be helpful in their apprehension.
Mexico as a country has begun a decisive battle against this cancer. They have discovered and shut down money laundering operations, which include one case in which they uncovered US$ 207 million in a single location. They have also eliminated the import of pseudoephedrine, which is used to create methamphetamine also referred to as meth. Previously a standard of 55 metric tons was allowed into the country for medical purposes, however 240 metric tons was entering legally. As of 2008, that amount has been eliminated to zero due to advances in technology. A new drug has replaced pseudoephedrine, which cannot be turned into meth. Another reassurance in Mexico’s development which Gaddis revealed was “since January/February of 2007 to just recently, we have seen significant increases in the prices of drugs in the U.S. but purity has gone down.” This appears to be a good start.
Gaddis emphasized it is through support of the Mexican president that the situation will be revolved. He also highlighted the support from the U.S. “If Mexico loses, the U.S. loses. Mexico wins, the U.S. wins.” Mexico is not alone in the war against drugs. The U.S. supports Mexico in its search for a cure and its recuperation to good health. It is through training and initiatives that we see improvement, and through support of the government will come advancement for the Mexican people on the war against a cancerous crime.
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