Mexico: Zeta Killer Vigilantes?

Vera Cruz flag image via Wikipedia

Los Angeles Times:

Mexican authorities say they are investigating a group that announced a campaign to wipe out the feared Zetas gang in the coastal state of Veracruz.

In a statement issued late Monday, the federal attorney general’s office warned that it would crack down on “any criminal group or organization that acts outside the law and creates violence.”

The agency said the battle against organized crime belongs to Mexican authorities alone. “The only way to achieve lasting security and tranquility is by enforcing the law and strengthening our institutions,” it said.

On Tuesday, Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora acknowledged weaknesses in Mexico's police forces but said they were being fixed, if slowly. He said groups seeking to carry out justice on their own "will confront the force of the state."

The warnings came after a group calling itself the “Zeta killers” posted a video during the weekend announcing plans to crush the Zetas, which have sown fear in Veracruz with killings, kidnappings and extortion.

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Peru: President Garcia Still Unpopular

Image via Wikipedia

Do you approve or disapprove of Alan García’s performance as president?

	Sept. 2009	Aug. 2009	Jul. 2009
Approve	28%	27%	27%
Disapprove	67%	69%	68%

Source: Ipsos, Apoyo, Opinión y Mercado / El Comercio
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Peruvian adults in 15 cities, conducted from Sept. 16 to Sept. 18, 2009. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

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• Peru declares curfew after bloody clashes (guardian.co.uk)
• Peru's Amazon tribes mount deadly fight against mining in the jungle (telegraph.co.uk)
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Video Clears Police in Shooting Death

Newest Police Car: Dodge Charger

New York: Democrats Betraying Police Once Again

UK: More Than 250 Arrested in South Yorkshire

(South Yorkshire Police) More than 250 people have been arrested and around £68,000 worth of drugs seized as police continue to make an Impact on crime across the county - with help from their partners.

Following the tremendous success of the Christmas crackdown, South Yorkshire Police has mounted another 12-day campaign.

And this time officers are working even more closely with partner agencies to ensure that there is no hiding place for criminals.

Results from the first week of the operation include:

32 warrants executed;

28 people arrested for burglary dwelling;

6 arrests for robbery;

Weapons including a firearm, 5 knives and a sword seized;

34 vehicles recovered by the DVLA and a further 12 clamped;

44 Drug Intervention Programmes instigated;

68 cans of lager confiscated by Doncaster community first officers



Chief Inspector Pat Casserly, who is running the latest phase of Impact force wide, has been encouraged by the joint effort.

"This current work with our partners is distinct from last month's Impact in that it's acting as a catalyst for sustained improvements in local communities after we've taken enforcement action against criminals."

"Having said that, the arrest results and seizures of drugs, stolen property and weapons are spectacular. We believe some of the property we've recovered were Christmas presents and, where appropriate, we'll do our best to return them to their rightful owners."

Added Ch Insp Casserly: "The feedback from local residents is very positive and we continue to receive information that directs us towards new targets and initiatives."

"Criminals are having a hard time of it as we make further inroads into their networks. The disruption of drug dealers and those who trade in stolen goods makes it less appealing for them to operate."

The latest phase of Impact was launched by South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes at Wath Police Station last Monday, January 8 2007.