Cocaine, Marijuana, Violence Affects Economy in Mexico, Morocco

15 October, 2010 2000 GMT

Mexico: Violence Affecting Monterrey Economy - Governor

An increase in drug violence is undermining economic growth in Mexico's most affluent city, Monterrey, Reuters reported Oct.15, citing comments from the governor of Nuevo Leon state. Gov. Rodrigo Medina said some businesses are delaying investments in factories exporting to the United States. Medina urged Mexican President Felipe Calderon to send more troops to Monterrey and said he wants the gangs to avoid harming the local population.

Morocco: Drug Ring Dismantled

Morocco announced that police dismantled an international drug ring moving cocaine and marijuana from South America to Africa and the on to Europe, AP reported Oct. 15. Thirty-four people, including a Spaniard, were arrested. The ring reportedly had ties to al Qaeda's North African branch and Latin American drug cartels. The group reportedly smuggled 600 kilograms (1,322 pounds) of cocaine into Morocco between March and August 2010. The drugs were moved from Venezuela and Colombia to Africa, stored in northern Mali and then taken to markets in Morocco and Europe

Certainly a great group to get rid off, sad part is it probably wont put a dent in their business. Maybe for the time being but these scumbags always seem to rise back up. Hope I am wrong...