Worldfocus

Police search bags for drugs and weapons in Mexico.

Mexican drug trafficking organizations represent the “greatest organized crime threat” to the United States, according to a recent government report [PDF]. Traffickers wield influence in the U.S. drug market and are working increasingly with U.S. drug gangs.

Last week, an American security consultant was kidnapped in Mexico.

Drug-related violence has killed more than 5,300 people so far this year in Mexico. KPBS and TijuanaPress.com recently launched “Border Battle,” an interactive Web feature on drug violence on the U.S.-Mexico border and its impact on San Diego.

Blogger “Jim Baca” of New Mexico argues that Mexico’s problem is also America’s and encourages U.S. action.

Earlier this month, the U.S. released $197 million in anti-drug aid as part of the $1.3 billion “Merida Initiative” package.

Citizen journalist “Lewis Guess” writes about Mexican victims treated in Texas hospitals, and argues that Mexico — not the U.S. — should be more aggressive in dealing with violence.

The “Harvard International Review” blog says that Mexico has three options: Negotiating with the drug cartels, decriminalizing drugs or increasing military presence in Mexican society.

The “Stairs to Nowhere” blog writes from Tijuana that crossing the border is more nerve-wracking than it used to be, as the federal military has begun checking cars.

Read our previous coverage of drug violence in Mexico.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Prometeo Lucero under a Creative Commons license.