Armored Vehicles for Counter Narcotics Efforts

Mexico City | May 15, 2009

Today the PGR took delivery of eight armored vehicles as part of U.S. - funded programs to increase Mexico’s capacity to confront narco-traffickers and criminal organizations. The vehicles, valued at over $1 million, will be distributed by the PGR to Cenapi, AFI, and its own agents to increase their security during counter-narcotics operations.

In a ceremony at Attorney General offices in Mexico City, Charge d’ Affaires Leslie Bassett presented keys to eight armored Chevy Suburban vans to Commissar General Seguismundo Doguín Garay, Director General of Institutional Security for the PGR. Ms. Bassett stated, “The armored vehicles delivered to the PGR today are representative of the United States’ ongoing commitment to support the government of Mexico by enhancing security for law enforcement agents and officials.”

The United States has plans to deliver $39 million in non-intrusive inspection equipment as well as new ballistics equipment for forensics laboratories in the next weeks, and has initiated a broad range of training programs in coordination with Mexican law enforcement authorities. $700 million was appropriated in 2008 and 2009 by the United States Congress for the Merida Initiative in Mexico. These funds are now being spent to reinforce Mexico’s law-enforcement capabilities and support civil society efforts to fight against narco-trafficking in communities throughout the country.

Chargé Bassett’s remarks as prepared: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/texts/et090515LBassett_ArmoredVehicles.html