Calderon defends war on Mexican drug cartels

Mexican President Felipe Calderon said his controversial war on drugs had cost criminal gangs $14.5 billion (£9.7 billion) as he submitted his administration's last report to congress.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon said his controversial war on drugs had cost criminal gangs $14.5 billion (£9.7 billion)  Photo: AP

Calderon leaves office on December 1 after a six-year term that has been overshadowed by his government's struggle to tame drug-related violence that has left more than 50,000 people dead since 2006.

But in his final report to the new congress, the conservative leader, who is limited to one term by law, focused on the capture of gang leaders and the massive seizures of cash and drugs.

"Crime has been confronted decisively because it is the main threat to the pace and freedom of Mexicans, as well as the democratic institutions," it said.

In the past six years, authorities have seized 114 tonnes of cocaine, nearly 11,000 tonnes of marijuana and more than 75 tonnes of methamphetamines.

More than 100,000 vehicles, 515 boats and 578 aircraft have been confiscated along with more than $1 billion in cash.

All these actions represented a loss of $14.5 billion for the cartels, Calderon said. According to the public security ministry, the criminal organizations control a $64 billion market.
The Mexican leader added that 22 of the 37 most wanted criminal were either captured or died.
Outside the congress, which opened its first session since July 1 elections, some 5,000 protesters demonstrated against Calderon's security strategy.