The Times report further angered congressional representatives in Washington, who were already conducting investigations into secret DEA and ATF arms sales to the drug cartels. The covert transfers of military grade weaponry, which were revealed in January 2011, occurred during the second administration of George W. Bush, and after Barack Obama took office in 2009. The programs were known as Wide Receiver and Fast and Furious.
After the Times story broke the Justice Dept. issued a public statement, saying that there was nothing new about the admitted DEA money laundering program. Officials claimed last week that U.S. agents have been working closely with Mexico to trace drug profits for decades, going all the way back to 1987, when Ronald Regan was president. If that's true, somebody needs to tell Mexican officials.
Yesterday Mexico's national security spokesperson, Alejandra Sota, flatly denied the DOJ claims. "No, Mexico knew absolutely nothing about these secret operations," she told a TV network here. Sota said that federal prosecutors have opened an investigation to determine if Mexican law enforcement agents may have participated in clandestine money laundering operations with the DEA. Mexico's senate has also demanded a full inquiry.
Update Dec. 12: PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) 2012 presidential candidate Enrique Peña Nieto joined the rising chorus today, insisting that the U.S. explain the DEA money laundering operation, which has apparently been going on for years. Peña Nieto is widely regarded as a shoo-in for Mexico's highest office, with polls showing him far ahead of leading opponents.
When the cop crosses the line: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2011/12/when-does-cop-become-criminal.html.
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