The Drug War At Home | Fronteras Desk

The Drug War At Home

In a series of multimedia stories, Fronteras: The Changing America Desk investigates our role in the illegal narcotics trade and explores how the nation's appetite for drugs and Mexico's war against drug cartels – backed by the U.S. – impacts our communities.

Pot Farms Still A Problem On Public Lands

For several years the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has been eradicating millions of marijuana plants in national parks and forests. And it’s still a major problem. Memorial Day weekend marks the launch of camping and hiking season. So backpackers should be on the lookout.

Mexican Peace Activist Brings Message To U.S.

A poet who challenged the Mexican government’s anti-drug efforts after his son was murdered there spoke in Tucson on Monday.

Colombian Ambassador To The U.S. Talks Drug War

Some Latin American leaders, including Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, are lobbying for a serious discussion on new ways to fight what many see as a losing war against illicit drugs.

Drug Violence Down On U.S.-Mexico Border

A University of San Diego report found that drug-related killings decreased along the border last year, even as violence grew across Mexico.

The Drug War At Home: Sharing Your Stories & Reactions

We have been asking for stories about how the violence in Mexico related to the drug war has affected citizens north of the border. Here are two of their stories.

Federal Funding To Prevent "Spillover" Crime To See Cuts

The Obama administration insists that the border is "more secure than ever," but budgets for border-related crime are getting cut.

Spillover Violence From Mexico's Drug Cartels: How Real Is It?

When is a crime near the U.S.-Mexico border just a crime or a result of spillover violence? It’s all in the eyes of the beholder.

Malverde: Mexico's Drug Trafficking Saint

Mexico’s drug traffickers pray to a mustachioed saint that has become a symbol for the cartel culture.

'Narco' Culture Becoming Popular North Of The Border

As Mexican lawmakers try to curb "Narco" culture, the fantasy of living like a drug trafficker is growing in the U.S. It has spread to religion, fashion and television.

U.S. Gangs As Foot Soldiers For Drug Traffickers

Mexican cartels have the drugs and the cash. Gangs have the organization and the street smarts. Authorities say that makes them partners in cross-border crimes, including kidnapping and murder.

Texas' Valley Of Corruption

Sheriffs, police chiefs and judges from the Rio Grande Valley have been charged with crimes. One expert said it is just a part of life in the impoverished area near the U.S.-Mexico border.

How Drug Cartels Move Cash Across The U.S.-Mexico Border

At least one bank has been accused of facilitating the movement of billions in drug cartel cash across the U.S.-Mexico border. Authorities say more banks are under investigation.

Hiding Drugs And People In Suburban Neighborhoods

Drug cartels used the real estate crash to expand out of barrios and into suburbia. A new law is helping cops fight back.

Flying Marijuana Over The Border Low & Slow

For every enforcement method the government implements, the drug cartels respond with a counter measure.

Hunting Drug Smugglers On US Highways

Federal officials cannot stop all of the illicit drugs entering the country. So they teamed up with local cops to target vehicles smuggling drugs on highways across the southwest and beyond.

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