29 October 2009
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Security Watch
Table of Contents
MEXICO
BORDER SECURITY AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Authorities Arrest 35 Chinese Undocumented Persons at the
Guadalajara International Airport – 28 October 2009
ORGANIZED CRIME AND DRUG TRAFFICKING
Dismembered Body with Narco Messages Carved into it Found in
Uruapan, Michoacan – 27 October 2009
Four Individuals Found Dead inside Vehicle in Uruapan, Michoacan –
28 October 2009
Body Found with Jefe de Jefes Narco Message near Zihuatanejo de
Azueta, Guerrero – 27 October 2009
Two Women Murdered in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua – 27 October 2009
Double Kidnapping at Hotel San Jorge in Cancun, Quintana Roo – 27
October 2009
Police Officers Attacked in Tijuana, Baja California – 28 October 2009
MILITARY
Mexican Soldiers Seize One Metric Ton of Marijuana in Tiquicheo,
Michoacan – 27 October 2009
Mexican Soldiers Arrest Four and Seize Weapons and Marijuana in
Aguililla and Tacambaro, Michoacan – 27 October 2009
Mexican Soldiers Arrest Two Hitmen/Members of Los Carnales, in
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua – 27 October 2009
SEDENA Could Adopt French Techniques to Fight Drug Trafficking in
Mexico – 28 October 2009
INSTABILITY/CIVIL UNREST
Brigadier General Ambushed in Durango – 27 October 2009
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
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 29 October 2009

Extortion Attempt of U.S. Senator Investigated in Cancun, Quintana

Roo – 28 October 2009
CENTRAL AMERICA
Authorities Discover Boat with 208 Kilograms of Cocaine in
Puntarenas, Costa Rica – 28 October 2009
Go-Fast Boat with Cocaine Seized near Kusapín, Panama – 27 October
2009
Two Found Executed near Centenario Bridge Outside of Panama City,
Panama – 28 October 2009
SOUTH AMERICA
Borda Gomez Extradited to the United States – 27 October 2009
Brazil and Venezuela Seal Binational Refinery Agreement – 28 October
2009
Venezuela Announces Arrest of Colombian Spies – 27 October 2009

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 29 October 2009

MEXICO
BORDER SECURITY AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Authorities Arrest 35 Chinese Undocumented Persons at the Guadalajara International Airport –
28 October 2009
State and federal police officers arrested 35 Chinese undocumented persons at the Guadalajara
International Airport [20.6667 -103.333], in Jalisco. In total, there were 19 men and 16 women. At the
time of their arrest, they were travelling in four different vans and had been separated according to their
gender. They were coming from Quintana Roo and travelling to Mexico City and stated that their reason
for coming to Mexico was to look for work.

Comment: It is unclear whether the individuals were coming or going from the Guadalajara
International Airport.

Spanish Source: http://www.informador.com.mx/jalisco/2009/149405/6/35-chinos-detenidos-por-

indocumentacion.htm

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ORGANIZED CRIME AND DRUG TRAFFICKING

Dismembered Body with Narco Messages Carved into it Found in Uruapan, Michoacan – 27
October 2009
The body of a male murder victim (approximately 35 years of age) was found cut up and distributed in
four plastic bags on Puente de Jicalan Street in Uruapan [19.4167 -102.0667], Michoacan. In place of
normal narco messages normally left with bodies, the messages were carved into parts of the
dismembered victim’s body. They read as follows:
 Message one: “Zaludoz” (greetings), carved into the victim’s chest
 Message two: “Ezpinoza” (last name), was carved into the lower back
 Message three: the letters “FM”. However, these were not carved in. Instead, tape was used to
form the letters on the victim’s right leg.

Authorities believe that this individual was killed by La Familia Michoacana and that he belonged to Los
Zetas.

Comment: It is assumed that “Zaludos” and “Ezpinoza” are a play on the words Saludos and Espinoza;
possibly in order to mock Los Zetas.

Spanish Source: http://www.proceso.com.mx/noticias_articulo.php?articulo=73449

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 29 October 2009

Four Individuals Found Dead inside Vehicle in Uruapan, Michoacan – 28 October 2009
On 28 October 2009 at 0700 hours, the bodies of four individuals were found inside a 2010 sand colored
Cheyenne with plates MW81434 on Paseo de la Revolucion Street in the Zumpimito neighborhood of
Uruapan [19.4167 -102.0667], Michoacan. One of the individuals was dressed in black while the other
three had been left half naked. All the individuals showed visible signs of torture and had gunshot wounds
to their bodies. The now deceased individuals have not yet been identified.

Spanish Source: http://www.cambiodemichoacan.com.mx/vernota.php?id=111684

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Body Found with Jefe de Jefes Narco Message near Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Guerrero – 27 October
2009
On 27 October 2009, the body of an unidentified male murder victim, (approximately 25 years of age),
was found along the Acapulco-Zihuatanejo highway near the Puerto Vicente Guerrero neighborhood of
Zihuatanejo de Azueta [17.6333 -101.5500], Guerrero. The murder victim had been shot 37 times, was
blindfolded, and his feet had been tied together. Forty-nine AK-47 shell casings were recovered from the
scene. In addition, a narco message was found next to the body that stated: “this goes to all the
kidnappers, chivas, traitors, and robbers, sincerely, Chief of Chiefs (Jefe de Jefes)”.

Comment: The word chiva refers to a young female goat; however, colloquially, to call someone a chiva
means that the person is a snitch or a gossiper.

Spanish Source:
http://www.lajornadaguerrero.com.mx/2009/10/28/index.php?section=sociedad&article=006n1soc

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Two Women Murdered in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua – 27 October 2009

Two women were killed on 26 October 2009, presumably by organized crime members, in two separate
incidents in Ciudad Juarez [30.3167 -108.0833], Chihuahua. Those incidents were reported as follows:
 An unidentified woman was shot to death at the intersection of Acambaro and Morelia Streets in
the Ampliacion Aeropuerto neighborhood of Ciudad Juarez. (Some articles report that this
woman was forced down to her knees before being killed).
 The second unidentified woman was killed minutes later while she was driving a Ford Expedition
Sport Trac near the Rio Bravo Industrial Park, in the Waterfill zone.

In a separate incident, a third individual was killed at the intersection Cartagena and Carlos Amaya
Streets. To date in 2009, there have been more than 2,080 murders in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.

Spanish Source: http://www.elagoradechihuahua.com/Narcoejecutan-a-dos-mujeres,18976.html

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Four Police Officers Killed in San Andres Cholula, Puebla – 27 October 2009
Four officers police officers were murdered on Atlixo Boulevard near El Nino Poblano Boulevard in San
Andres Cholula [19.0667 -98.3000], Puebla, at around 0250 hours on 27 October 2009. The incident
occurred after occupants of an unidentified vehicle drove up and started shooting at Puebla Municipal
Preventive Police officers who had responded to a call at this location. Both officers were killed
immediately as a result of the attack. Other officers operating in and around the area who responded to
the attack were also fired upon. In the end, two of the responding officers were also killed and the
aggressors were able to escape.

Spanish Source: http://www.reforma.com/estados/articulo/524/1047921/

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PGR Reports that $(USD) 100 Million has been Seized from Drug Trafficking Organizations
During 2009 – 27 October 2009
PGR official Jose Luis Lagunes Lopez stated that more than $(USD) 100 million has been seized from
organized crime groups to date in 2009. He compared the damage these seizures have done to these
groups to “taking a hair from a cat”, meaning that he feels the seizures have not affected the groups
considering the amount of power and money they have.

Comment: The article does not specify if the above amount refers to cash seizures only, or if it includes
the combined value of cash, drugs, weapons, residences, and vehicles seized.

Spanish Source: http://impreso.milenio.com/node/8663765

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Double Kidnapping at Hotel San Jorge in Cancun, Quintana Roo – 27 October 2009
Two employees of the San Jorge Hotel (located in Supermanzana 63, Manzana 44) were kidnapped at
around 0025 hours by three armed men driving a red vehicle. The victims were identified as “El Tarzán”
and “El Juárez”; their nicknames. This incident is currently under investigation by the Directorate of
Public Security (DSP).

Spanish Source: http://radioquintanaroo.com/doble-levanton-en-el-hotel-sanjorge-de-la-sm-63/

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 29 October 2009

Police Officers Attacked in Tijuana, Baja California – 28 October 2009

On 28 October 2009 at approximately 0545
hours, Teodoro Garcia Simental gunmen
operating in Loma Blanca, an area between
Tijuana[32.5333 -117.0167] and Rosarito
[32.3333 -117.0333], Baja California, attacked
patrol units 3667, 3111, 3106, 4111, and 2911.
Police officers managed to repel the attackers;
however, a teenager identified as Yasmin Torres
Ramos, 15, was killed in the crossfire.

Spanish Source: http://impreso.milenio.com/node/8664452

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MILITARY
Mexican Soldiers Seize One Metric Ton of Marijuana in Tiquicheo, Michoacan – 27 October 2009
Soldiers from the XXI Military Zone reported the seizure
of more than one metric ton of marijuana near the Llano de
San Miguel Canario in Tiquicheo [18.8833 -100.7333],
Michoacan. Quantities of marijuana seized were identified
as:
 121 packages of marijuana weighting more than 1
metric ton
 17 sacks of unprocessed marijuana weighting 234
kilograms
 2 sacks of marijuana seed weighting 57 kilograms

Spanish Source: http://www.cambiodemichoacan.com.mx/vernota.php?id=111624

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Mexican Soldiers Arrest Four and Seize Weapons and Marijuana in Aguililla and Tacambaro,
Michoacan – 27 October 2009
Mexican soldiers arrested four individuals for possession of weapons and drugs in separate incidents in
Michoacan. In the first incident, soldiers arrested two alleged hitmen identified as Luis Manuel
ZAMUDIO Hernandez, and Armando Uriel ZAMUNDIO Nieves. This arrest took place near an area
known as Ejido J. Jesus de Alcaraz in Tacambaro [20.1333 -101.8167], Michoacan. Seized from these
individuals were the following items:
 7 AK-47 magazines
 (14) .38 super and 9mm magazines
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 29 October 2009

 200 rounds of various calibers

In the second incident, soldiers arrested Jesus CRUZ Mendoza and Miguel CEJA Barajas after they were
stopped at a military check point in Aguililla [18.7333 -102.7333], Michoacan. At the time of their arrest,
CRUZ and CEJA were traveling in a Toyota Tundra. Seized from them were the following items:
 30 kilograms of marijuana
 1 shotgun
 2 magazines

Spanish Source: http://www.cambiodemichoacan.com.mx/vernota.php?id=111667

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Mexican Soldiers Arrest Two Hitmen/Members of Los Carnales, in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua – 27
October 2009
On 26 October 2009 at 1910 hours, soldiers from the 104th Infantry Battalion arrested two hitmem from
the criminal gang known as Los Carnales. This group is allegedly headed by an individual known as El
Tony. The individuals were arrested after soldiers recognized them at the intersection of Francisco Javier
Mina and Ignacio Mariscal Streets in the Centro neighborhood of Ciudad Juarez [30.3167 -108.0833],
Chihuahua The gang members were then identified as:
 Roberto LIMONES Lopez, 32, aka El Beto, aka Membrillo. He confessed to having killed 3 bus
drivers because they did not pay extortion fees.
 Juan Carlos DIAZ Chaparro, 21, aka El Cundi, aka El Moco, aka El Pelon. He confessed to
having killed 6 bus drivers because they did not pay extortion feels.
Seized from these individuals were the following:
 12,140 kilograms of marijuana distributed in 26 packages
 (1) Mitchell Arms .45 caliber Colt revolver, single action, serial number 86668, with 13 rounds
 (1) Taurus .38 super, serial number 1163551, with 15 rounds
 (37) 7.62x39mm rounds
 (26) .223 caliber rounds
 (28) 9mm rounds
 A 2001 silver Chrysler Sebring LX with Chihuahua plates 770-SBP7, VIN
1C3EL46U81N543037

Spanish Source: http://www.elagoradechihuahua.com/Detiene-Ejercito-a-dos-sicario,18998.html

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SEDENA Could Adopt French Techniques to Fight Drug Trafficking in Mexico – 28 October 2009
The Mexican Army informed the Senate of military exercises recently performed with French troops, and
confirmed that Mexican military operations "could be improved or complemented", by things learned

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 29 October 2009

through the practice exercises related to the war on drugs. The joint exercise took place from 01-14
October 2009 and focused on both jungle and amphibious training. The training was held in Xtomoc,
Quintana Roo, and at the 41st Naval Infantry Battalion, in Pont-à-Pitre, Isla Guadalupe, France. The
report submitted to the Senate noted that there were planned reconnaissance and combat operations over
jungle terrain, which was predominantly mangroves, focusing on raids based on scenarios related to drug
trafficking.

End conclusions regarding this training were that:

 It strengthened the bilateral relationship between Mexico and France
 Future military to military engagements should be of priority to increase the capabilities of the
Mexican military

Spanish Source: http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/473196.podria-sedena-adoptar-tecnicas-

francesas-en-c.html

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Zeta Leader Captured in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon – 27 October 2009

As a result of a citizen’s tip, Mexican Army soldiers were
able to mount an operation that led to the arrest of Juan
Carlos MARTINEZ Hernandez, aka El Camaleon, in
Guadalupe [26.5833 -99.4500], Nuevo Leon. MARTINEZ
Hernandez was identified as the number two man for Los
Zetas in Guadalupe.

According to a press release from the Seventh Military Zone

and Fourth Military Region, the tip indicated that armed
individuals were entering and leaving a house located on 394
Guatemala Street in Guadalupe, on the night of 25 October 2009. It also appeared that they had
kidnapping victims with them. In the end, soldiers carried out a raid on the house that resulted in the
arrest of Martinez Hernandez as well as eight other men; two of which were identified as police officers
who presumably served as a protective detail for the group. Also in the house were four drug pushers who
were being tortured by the men. The names of all individuals arrested are as follows:
 Luis Fernando AVALOS Pineiro, aka El Nonin
 Martin SALINAS Martinez, aka El Jicamas
 Rene Reynold ARANDA Rodriguez, aka El Down
 Jose Luis GARCIA Martinez, aka El Gordo
 Angel Jesus MORENO Gonzalez, aka El Chuy
 Gilberto HERNANDEZ Velazquez, aka El Conejo
 Andres Damian GONZALEZ Rendon, aka El Gato
 Jose Raymundo LOPEZ Arellano, aka El Ruso
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 Hector Homero CERVANTES Duran, aka El Negro (pusher)

 Rafael Aaron ESQUIVEL Galvan, aka El Palillo (pusher)
 Domitilo SAMPAYO Torres, aka El Güero (pusher)
 Carlos ESPINOSA Ramos (Guadalupe police officer)
 Nestor HERNANDEZ Hernandez (Guadalupe police officer)
Seized from the location were:
 1.23 kilograms of marijuana
 7.9 grams of powder cocaine
 3 rifles and 2 pistols
 1 practice fragmentation grenade
 1 camouflage colored paintball gun
 33 AR-15 magazines
 (5) 9mm pistol magazines
 1,567 rounds of different caliber ammunition
 1 Toyota Tacoma with plates RB62168 (state not specified)
 1 Dodge Ram 2500 with plates PZ33081 (state not specified)
 1 Jeep Grand Cherokee with plates SGG 2577 (state not specified)
 1 Nissan Sentra patrol car, belonging to the Guadalupe municipality, with plate SFC 11 50
 9 sets of handcuffs
 7 bullet proof vests, and other tactical equipment
 31 containers marked “ADIMOD”
 A wooden board labeled as the “punishment board”
 1 black T-shirt with the legend “Fuerzas Especiales San Pedro Pero No me Llames” (“Special
Forces San Pedro But Don’t Call Me”)
 Various cell phones and radios
 2 baseball bats

Comment: The article mentions that four pushers were being tortured, but only identifies three of them.

Spanish Source: http://impreso.milenio.com/node/8663717

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INSTABILITY/CIVIL UNREST
Brigadier General Ambushed in Durango – 27 October 2009
According to authorities, Brigadier General Hector Aguilar
Soriano was wounded after being attacked by unidentified
individuals who tried to steal his vehicle from him as he
was travelling from Ensenada, Baja California to Reynosa,
Tamaulipas. The attack occurred on the streets of Gomez
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 29 October 2009

Palacio [25.5667 -103.5000], Durango. When the General resisted the attack, he was shot. However, he
was able to continue driving in search of a hospital, until authorities were able to help him. His wife, who
was in the vehicle with him, was not injured.

Spanish Source: http://impreso.milenio.com/node/8663743

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC
Extortion Attempt of U.S. Senator Investigated in Cancun, Quintana Roo – 28 October 2009
Five transit police officers from the tourist center of Cancun are under investigation for the alleged
attempt to extort money from a tourist, who happened to be the husband of Minnesota Senator, Michelle
Fischbach. After the incident, the senator wrote a letter to municipal officials, stating that the transit
police stopped her husband in the tourist area for going one mile over the speed limit. Her husband was
then asked to do a breathalyzer test which consisted of blowing into the officers hands. After this, the
police took Mr. Fischbach’s drivers license and said he would be taken to jail if he did not hand over
$(USD) 300. In the end, the situation was resolved, and Senator Fischbach was allegedly mailed a check
for the money that was handed over to the corrupt officers.

Spanish Source: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/73511.html

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CENTRAL AMERICA
Authorities Discover Boat with 208 Kilograms of Cocaine in Puntarenas, Costa Rica – 28 October
2009
PCD officers found an abandoned boat that had 208 kilograms of
cocaine hidden in a double bottom compartment in Matapalo de
Savegre which is located in the Puntarenas province of [approximate
location 9.3333 -83.9667], Costa Rica.

It is believed that the 455 kilograms seized from the Mitsubishi

Montero on 27 October 2009 in the Jesus de Atenas District of
Alajuela, may have also been transported by this boat given that in both of the seizures, the cocaine had
sand on the exterior of the packets.

Spanish Source: http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2009/octubre/28/sucesos2138402.html

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Go-Fast Boat with Cocaine Seized near Kusapín, Panama – 27 October 2009
A confrontation between drug traffickers and the National Police on the morning of 26 October 2009, left
one Honduran national dead, and another Colombian national
wounded. The confrontation occurred between a National Police
patrol boat and the individuals mentioned above who were
operating a “go-fast” type boat equipped with four 200 horsepower
motors near Kusapín [9.2458 -81.8866], Bocas del Toro. Seized
from the “go-fast” boat were:
 60 kilograms of cocaine
 (1) AK-47 assault rifle
 15 tanks of gasoline
It was also noted that authorities believe that the suspects were
able to throw some of the cocaine overboard before being arrested.

Spanish Source: http://www.critica.com.pa/archivo/10272009/portada.html

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Two Found Executed near Centenario Bridge Outside of Panama City, Panama – 28 October 2009
Walberto De La Guardia, 63, and César Augusto Prado, 48,
were executed and their bodies found on the road leading to
the Centenario Bridge [9.0362 -79.6342]. Both were found
gagged and bound at the hands and feet, and allegedly died of
asphyxia by strangulation. Both victims resided in the
Carrasquilla neighborhood [9.0005 -79.5159] of Panama City,
and were engaged in the sale of gold jewelry.

Spanish Source: http://www.critica.com.pa/archivo/10282009/portada.html

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SOUTH AMERICA
Borda Gomez Extradited to the United States – 27 October 2009
Cristian Fernando Borda Gómez, aka The Harley Rider of the Mafia, was extradited to the United States
on drug trafficking charges, by request of the Federal Court. Authorities indicated that Borda was part of
the Mejía Twins Organization, and was captured by Colombian Police on 18 June 2008. According to El
Tiempo, authorities confiscated goods from Borda worth some $(COP) 20 billion pesos, among which
was his collection of motorcycles and watches.

Spanish Source: http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/justicia/extraditado-esta-manana-a-estados-unidos-

el-harlista-de-la-mafia_6452347-1

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Brazil and Venezuela Seal Binational Refinery Agreement – 28 October 2009

The state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) and Brazil's
Petrobras, signed contracts this week to seal a bi-national
agreement to build the Abreu and Lima refinery in Brazil’s
northeastern state of Pernambuco. The signing of the
agreements coincided with a trip by President Luiz Inácio Lula
da Silva to Venezuela to meet with his Venezuelan counterpart
Hugo Chávez. This agreement will apparently end years of
negotiations. In 2008, Petrobras began work on the $12 billion
refinery despite the lack of a final agreement with PDVSA. Current estimations forecast that the refinery
will be finished in 2011 and will have a 230,000 barrel-per-day capacity.

Spanish Source: http://www.el-

nacional.com/www/site/p_contenido.php?q=nodo/105942/Economía/Brasil-y-Venezuela-sellarán-
acuerdo-de-refinería-binacional

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Venezuela Announces Arrest of Colombian Spies – 27 October 2009

Francisco Arias Cárdenas, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Latin America and the Caribbean,
announced the arrest of several agents from the Colombian Administrative Department of Security (DAS)
in Venezuela. "In the next few hours, they will be presented to the press by the Ministry of the Interior
and by security forces" and they will be prosecuted by "Venezuelan courts," stated Arias.
He added that the Venezuelan security forces found destabilization plans against "the government, our
people, and our democracy." Arias reported the case a day after the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry filed a
notice of protest against these activities. He also clarified that the note submitted on 26 October 2009 had
nothing to do with recent events in the state of Táchira.

Spanish Source: http://english.eluniversal.com/2009/10/27/en_pol_esp_venezuela-

announces_27A2958971.shtml

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