28,000 Killed in Mexican Drug War Since 2006

Intelligence Chief Says Drug Violence "Still Growing"

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  Two men lie dead with a banner bearing a message to a rival drug gang in Cuernavaca, Mexico, April 21, 2010. Mexico says more than 28,000 people have been killed in drug violence since President Felipe Calderon launched a crackdown against cartels in 2006. (AP Photo/Antonio Sierra)

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(AP) Mexico says more than 28,000 people have been killed in drug violence since President Felipe Calderon launched a crackdown against cartels in 2006.

Intelligence agency director Guillermo Valdes says authorities have confiscated about 84,000 weapons and made total cash seizures of $411 million in U.S. currency and $26 million worth in pesos (330 million pesos).

Valdes says drug violence in Mexico "is still growing."

He spoke Tuesday during a meeting with Calderon and representatives of business and civic groups. Attendees are exploring ways to improve Mexico's anti-drug strategy.

The most recent official toll of the drug war dead came in mid-June, when the attorney general said 24,800 had died. He did not specify a time frame.