Drug smugglers allegedly move into New Mexico town (U.S.)

[tomm2thumbs]

Source: AP/MSNBC

...smugglers are fleeing the Mexican army's occupation of the town of Palomas, on the other side of the U.S.-Mexico border fence, and settling in Columbus, where there has been a law-enforcement vacuum. The four-man police force in Columbus has turned over seven times in three years because of scandal or apathy.

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In Palomas, the Mexican army took over law enforcement a year ago after the local police force was driven out by the drug dealers. The Columbus police department has been in disarray too, plagued with unqualified officers and allegations of wrongdoing. One chief was arrested on gun theft charges that were later dropped, and two others were never certified police officers.

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"If a person wanted to, they could make a good living in Columbus — not legally, but they can make a lot of money if they are willing to risk going to jail."

Ranches and farms in the area are the largest legitimate employers, along with the few shops and cafes in town. Officially, the median income is less than $15,000 a year, a sum that is hard to reconcile with the sudden prosperity around town.

"There's a lot of people who don't work but have a lot of possessions," Odom said, adding that he often spots local teens driving fancy new cars. "They have hubcaps that cost more than my truck."

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30522251 /

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Spreading northward in this way is not a good sign - hopefully federal officials are keeping an eye on things like this