U.S. Gives Mexico $99 Million

MEXICO CITY -- The United States has released another $99 million as part of an aid package to support Mexico's police and soldiers in their fight against drug cartels in Tijuana and elsewhere.
 
U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said on Wednesday that the funds will help Mexico's military buy aircraft and other equipment to help detect drugs, cash and weapons. He said the equipment will arrive in the fall.
 
The money comes at a critical time: Mexico's death toll from drug violence soared to more than 5,000 in 2008, and drug-related murders and kidnappings are spilling over the U.S. border as well.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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