In our previous post, we began discussing increasing concerns over the Mexican drug war, which is taking an enormous toll on lives. Cartels, by their definition, involve an explicit agreement between competing groups, but in the case of the Mexican drug war, there are multiple competing cartels. The whole enterprise is complex and involves a business superstructure that is sometimes impossible to track back. There are currently seven cartels in Mexico known to be competing for control of smuggling routes into the United States.

According to sources, American officials-noting of the ineffectiveness of the Mexican government against the activity-have sounded the alarm and warned that the drug war has the potential to threaten U.S. national security.

Stepping back a bit from the disturbing activity of the drug cartels, it is certainly the case that anyone accused of a drug crime deserves a proper defense. Without this opportunity, our justice system breaks down.

Drug charges are of many types, including possession, intent to distribute, trafficking, manufacturing, driving while under the influence of drugs. Whenever a person is charged, it is important to consider whether the arrest and seizure of evidence were conducted properly. Police are required to respect the rights of any criminal suspect with respect to searches and seizures, whether on a street, in a home, or in a vehicle.

These may seem like technical points, but it is critical that law enforcement stay within the law in their efforts to enforce the law.

Source: CNN, "The Mexico drug war: Bodies for billions," Ashley Fantz, January 18, 2012.