Presentation on Mexican Drug Wars, Cartels and Border Violence

The National Security Forum presents

LARRY MARTINES

“The Mexican Drug Wars: Cartels, the Drug Trade, and the Spread of Violence to the U.S.”

Siena Hotel Ballroom, Friday, April 30^th, 8:45 am

Since the last presentation by Larry Martines on the Mexican drug wars and cartels, the violence has accelerated. Cartels are merging, leading to more powerful alliances, who are directing their weapons against other cartels, the Mexican security forces, and innocent civilians. The dramatic rise in violence is spreading into this country, leading to murder, rape and kidnapping of American citizens.

Drug gangs have laid waste to many cities, driving many ordinary Mexicans to seek asylum in the U.S. Serving as a police officer or anti-drug task force member is increasingly dangerous. The impact of the cartels is being felt more and more in the U.S., as the drug distribution routes have expanded into more than 200 American cities. Hispanic gangs in U.S. prisons form the nexus of future allies for the Mexican drug lords.

Larry’s PowerPoint talk will also assess the status of the Mexican government’s war against the cartels, covert and overt U.S. assistance, the significance of the cartel mergers, the growing connection to U.S. street gangs and cartel expansion into this country.

Martines retired from a major U.S. law enforcement agency as commander of terrorism/extremist groups investigations unit. He has served as a consultant to the CIA on classified matters, headed security at Hughes Helicopters, and instructed at several universities and law enforcement agencies. He is the former Director of the Nevada Department of Homeland Security.

Please RSVP (acceptances only) to this e-mail or by calling 746-3222. There will be a $15 charge at the door for the breakfast and presentation.