First I would like to thank Chief of Staff Rafael Ibarra Consejo and Director General of Institutional Security Seguismundo Doguín Garay of the PGR for joining us here today.   The Embassy values the close working relationships we have with the Attorney General’s Office, and I am pleased to be here for the delivery of these brand new armored vehicles.

Organized criminal networks pose a security challenge to both the United States and Mexico.  As such, the U.S. and Mexico have engaged in a historic effort to align efforts to combat crime and confront drug trafficking and organized criminal networks. 

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. Right on the heels of the Merida Initiative announcement last July, the US Embassy quickly responded with the procurement of these armored Suburbans to provide protection for those in the field fighting the war on drugs. 

At a cost of over $1 million, these vehicles are designed to heighten the level of security afforded PGR, CENAPI and AFI law enforcement agents and officials.

This partnership has already paid dividends in various law enforcement projects throughout Mexico.  For example:

--$39 million dollars in non-intrusive inspection equipment, including x-ray vans and gamma radiation truck systems, have been ordered to help strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officials at the borders. 

--Four Integrated Ballistic Identification Systems (IBIS) are on their way to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Tijuana and Culiacan to assist in forensically identifying ballistic evidence which connects specific weapons to specific crimes.

--Training, equipment and technical assistance have been provided to enhance the capabilities of canine units in various government agencies throughout Mexico.

-- An expansive police professionalization project is underway with the SSP in which the U.S. expects to assist in training approximately 1,500 new SPP investigators in the next 3 months.

This delivery is neither the first of its kind in this joint effort, nor will it be the last.  The United States and Mexico have been working together side by side in the fight against organized crime for years.  That excellent cooperation has improved even more under the Calderon administration, and the Merida Initiative represents the continuation and expansion of this partnership.  As the resources from the Merida Initiative flow, the U.S. expects to broaden and deepen its support by providing further technical assistance, technical support, inspection equipment, canine training, and the enhancement of cross-border law enforcement cooperation, weapons interdiction, intelligence sharing and communication.