LAS CRUCES – There’s an estimated $20 billion paid to Mexican drug cartels each year – a hefty portion of which comes from the pockets of Americans, said New Mexico Attorney General Gary King.
And somehow those dollars must get to the narcotics dealers in other countries – whether by vehicle or foot, in bulk loads or via bank and wire transfers. It’s a stream officials on both sides of the border say is key to the illicit drug trade – and Mexico’s bloody drug war.
King said a recent effort by attorneys general in four U.S. border states is meant to curb the flow of drug-related money.
In recent weeks, two new anti-money-laundering teams were set up in New Mexico, including one in Las Cruces, according to King’s office.
The three-person teams, which include an attorney, will focus on the white-collar crime aspect of the illegal drug market, including wire and bank transfers of cash, King said.
“If we could make it so we wouldn’t be able to transport money into Mexico to support the sale of drugs, then they wouldn’t send the drugs here,” he said.
Money for the project originates from a 2010 settlement between four border states and Western Union, which provided $50 million for anti-money-laundering efforts.
Asked about his decision to station a team in Las Cruces, King replied:
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