US gives Mexico armored vehicles to aid drug fight

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Mexico has received eight armored vehicles as part of a US aid package to help the government with its nationwide fight against drug cartels. The US Embassy said the vehicles were handed over to federal police agents to protect them during counternarcotics operations. The United States has plans to deliver $39 million in nonintrusive inspection equipment as well as new ballistics equipment for forensics laboratories in the next weeks. The US also has initiated a broad range of training programs in coordination with Mexican law enforcement authorities. The US Congress has appropriated $700 million over the past two years to help Mexico fight the cartels. The Mexican government held a ceremony Friday to receive the vehicles.