Frontera NorteSur, September 1999

Thursday, September 23, 1999: Juárez Cartel Is Dismantled

According to authorities in the United States, with the cooperation of Juárez officials, over 93 members of the "Juárez Cartel" have been arrested. Among those arrested, several "heads" of the trafficking operation included Arturo Arredondo, Jessie Quintanilla, and Jorge Ontiveros.

"Operation Impunity," which has been in effect for two years, produced very successful results with the seizures of 19.1 million dollars, 12.4 tons of cocaine and 4,806 pounds of marijuana.

Other items that were taken into possession by authorities included 27 vehicles, nine residences, three businesses, and a hotel. These properties were said to value at approximately seven million dollars.

With a home base established in Reynosa, the drug cartel was receiving and shipping drugs from Columbia to Cancún or Campeche. These shipments were later distributed to the contact bases in the United States. With methods that utilized the river, such as aboard truck (small-vehicle) transporters or passenger ships, or the use of semi trucks, the cartel was successful in its trafficking. According to officials, these shipments were sometimes as grand and twelve tons.

"The success of 'Operation Impunity' is just an example of what can be accomplished when the is cooperation among all of the officials in order to attain justice and annihilate the most insidious criminal activity that is affecting our communities nowadays" stated FBI Director, Louis Freeh.

It is expected that in the following two weeks, at least twenty more members of the Juárez-based cartel will be arrested.

Source: El Diario

Wednesday, September 22, 1999: Juárez Maquila Takes Heat For Ammonia Leak

The Norfluor plant in Cd. Juárez experienced an ammonia leak last Saturday causing some 200 residents in the area to have to evacuate their homes to avoid the toxic cloud that bordered two colonias. No injuries were reported, however, border authorities are not happy.

El Paso has demanded response to questions and has acknowledged their ability to fine the company according to Alma Figueroa, general director of the city's Civil Protection and Environmental department. "We want to review their contingency plan, and we want details about the leak and what steps the company is taking to prevent another leak," Figueroa said. The city has the authority to fine up to $10,000 minimum daily wages if there is no response. They could also force the plant's closure.

According to Andrés Anda Martínez, director of Cd. Juárez human housing department, 40 residents effected by the leak have been relocated. "We have insisted on the relocation of approximately 200 families. This accident confirms that these residences never should have been allowed close to this plant."

Although apparently reluctant to address the mishap, Norflour did put out initial statements indicating that no one was put in danger because the weather conditions kept the the chemical cloud high enough in the sky not to effect people on the ground. The company kept any public security or civil protection groups from entering the facility.

Allegedly caused by an electric malfunction in the production area, the ammonia leak started mid day last Saturday and was under control within two hours. The chemicals are used in this foundry for making aluminum and refrigerants and include hydrofluoric acid which is highly toxic.

Sources: El Paso Times, El Diario

Tuesday, September 21, 1999: Backpacks To Be Searched In Juárez Schools

"Operation Backpack" will be implemented today in all district schools in Juárez, according to the spokesperson of municipal police Pedro Torres Estrada.

The purpose of this project is to prevent pupils from introducing weapons or spray paint, for example, into the educational environment. "Directors of each of the districts have met with teachers and parents in order to clear up any questions regarding the inspections of students' backpacks," added Estrada. He further stated, "It is important that the parents and the students know that the book bag inspections are not implemented by the participating officers, but instead by social workers in the schools and the Police Department."

Torres commented further that the questions that parents should be most concerned with regarding "Operation Backpack" is what type of action will be taken if their child's backpack contains any of the "illegal" objects. Punishments that the schools will implement, dependent on the severity of the offense, might be as harsh as complete expulsion from the school.

Educational facilities that will utilize this program are those that have reported constant problems with aggression in its students. These schools are located in problematic areas of the city that are plagued with conflict and graffiti, according to Torres.

Source: El Diario

Monday, September 20, 1999: Mexicans Working In The U.S. Receive Federal Benefits

Mexicans who work in the U.S. will now be able to collect social security benefits through the Mexican Federal Institute of Social Insurance (IMSS) for their families that live in México.

"The Mexicans that find work in the U.S. are now guaranteed medical insurance for their families that are residents of any Mexican city through the IMSS program "Mexican Workers In Foreign Countries," said Domingo Antonio López Méndez, assistant director of the IMSS.

The Mexican employees will be required to show proof of employment, and family members will be required to show proof that they are members of the household of the employee, but then the worker, the spouse and the children will all be eligible for medical insurance worth approximately $280 U.S.

Mexicans who are employed outside of the country and their families will now be eligible for the same benefits that other Mexican citizens receive although they have found better employment opportunities in the U.S.

Source: El Diario

Sunday, September 19, 1999: Mexican Food Is Good For You!

According to the El Paso Times Mexican food has gained a new ranking as food that is indeed good for you although it has typically carried a reputation for being an unhealthy way to eat.

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation has developed a new health initiative, "Que Sabrosa Vida" (What A Tasty Life!), which includes a nutritional food guide including meals typical of the border life style. However, because traditional foods are not always prepared with the most healthful approaches, healthier cooking techniques are included in the guide.

"A lot of the ingredients in general are inherently healthy," said Jill Melton, senior food editor of Cooking Light Magazine, a publication which was sought by the foundation to assist in modifying some ten classic Mexican dishes such as enchiladas and rellenos. ""Mostly it was the technique of frying" that had to be altered, according to Melton.

A 1997 health survey commissioned by the foundation found that almost 75 percent of El Paso adults lead a sedentary life style, that 30 percent are obese and only seven percent eat the recommended daily five fruits and vegetables. "People know that eating fruits and vegetables is good for them, but they feel like there is no easy way" to eat healthy, according to Veatriz Vera, program officer.

An important objective of this initiative is to make the change to a more healthy life style simple. "Que Sabrosa Vida" will introduce common sense eating habits and do away with confusing information about counting calories and grams of fat. "No one will follow an intervention that takes away from who they are," said R. Sue McPherson, program director from University of El Paso Texas' School of Public Health.

"I dream of the day it will be cool to take a bean burrito to school again, " said Vera.

Source: El Paso Times

Saturday, September 18, 1999: Authorities Say Police Not At Fault In Youths' Death

The assistant attorney general declared yesterday that the four youths who drowned late last month while being chased by police from a security check point died as a result of the driver's carelessness and not as a result of the police's mishandling of the situation.

According to the special investigation by the state attorney general's office, the four young boys that died in a car immersed in an irrigation channel last August, drowned because the driver was inexperienced and was speeding. However, the police involved in chasing the car which evaded the checkpoint have not yet been exonerated for the responsibility in the deaths.

The vehicle hit a concrete post and the impact took off one of the tires which caused the driver to lose control. The car then crashed into a ditch that had approximately seven feet of water and carried a very strong current. However, the explanation for why the passengers were unable to exit the vehicle remains under continued investigation.

It is said that the victims were dead when the police arrived, and that the security forces did not have the necessary equipment to pull them from the water. According to Alfredo Salas, a veteran firefighter and water rescue instructor, "Regarding the rescue, I don't believe that the police are guilty. It was a tough job for even the firefighters because of the strength of the water's current."

Investigations will continue as the families of the victims, as well as representatives of the community and representatives of human rights NGOs, remain unsatisfied with the safety and constitutionality of the checkpoints.

Source: El Diario

Friday, September 17, 1999: Cd. Juárez Shuts Down Two Class Rooms

The municipal government of Cd. Juárez shut down two class rooms yesterday, one which was constructed of wooden crates and the other situated in an old bus, both part of a school system newly created in the colonia Rinconada de las Torres. The structures were located on land that is designated for a public park and does not belong to the school.

The structures had not received required approval from the State of Chihuahua Education Services (SEECh), nevertheless, the action by Javier de Anda, director of the city's social communication department, was not received well by teachers, parents or students. The group says they will continue classes next week in tents.

The school was created purely out of need in this relatively new neighborhood, and as soon as there were some 100 students unable to get to other schools, these class rooms were developed according to Rigoberto Fuentes Chávez, director of the school.

The school was started on August 23 with the rest of the city's school system, although had not yet been given a name.

Source: El Diario

Thursday, September 16, 1999: Children's Museum and Zoo Come To Cd. Juárez

Mayor Elizondo Gustavo Aguilar announced yesterday that the city of Cd. Juárez will work with the management of Central Park on a project to bring a children's museum and a zoo to the new park in Cd. Juárez.

The museum will be interactive, similar in quality to Mexico's "El Papalote" however not designed to travel. The zoo will hold animals that can adapt to the climate of northern México.

Both projects still need additional funding, however, the mayor is confident that the project will receive all of the support it needs. "Who wouldn't want Cd. Juárez to have its own zoo?" asked the mayor.

Source: El Diario

Wednesday, September 15, 1999: Water Project To Improve West Side

Some ten thousand families, approximately fifty thousand people, will benefit from a proposed operation that will install updated water tanks and wells in the west part of Juárez.

According to the Municipal Water and Sanitation Department (JMAS), four new wells and an undetermined amount of storage tanks will be installed at various locations in the western area of the city. Families in the colonias of Felipe Angeles, Nueva Galeana, Plutarco Elías Streets, and Cemetera will witness the scheduled construction project in progress over the next two years.

In a meeting with Cd. Juárez Mayor Gustavo Elizondo Aguilar, Ranulfo Lemus, director of JMAS, and Arcadio Serrano, director of Municipal Public Works, land contributions were requested for the water enhancement proposal. "The purpose of this meeting is to determine the cost of the proposed construction in order to introduce the much needed water into the colonias, that have not received it because of the out-of-date conduction systems and wells" stated Mayor Aquilar.

The estimated cost for this project is approximately twenty thousand dollars.

The mayor further added that installation of the new system is not only important because it will bring water into the colonias, but because it will benefit those individuals who do not expect the government to provide such an important service.

Source: El Diario

Tuesday, September 14, 1999: Cocaine Seizure Breaks El Paso Record

The largest cocaine bust in El Paso occurred last week, implicating three Mexican nationals and further encouraging El Paso's officials in their assault on drugs.

In cooperation with DEA officials, city law enforcement raided an East El Paso residence and seized almost two tons of cocaine. The 3,864 pounds of the controlled substance were appraised at thirty-two million dollars "wholesale value." According to Channel 9, the substance would triple its value on the street.

Three Mexican men were arrested in connection with the drug seizure. Arturo Martinez Robles, 47, Sergio Gómez, 29, and Alejandro Ramos Ruis, 23, will be charged with "conspiracy to possess and distribute a controlled substance" and will face a mandatory ten years to life in a federal prison.

"This significant seizure indicates evidence of El Paso as a transient location for narcotics and dangerous drugs. The cocaine is here and we are working together, and we will continue the pressure," stated DEA Special Agent in Charge of the El Paso Field Division, Robert Castillo.

In addition to their evident determination, El Paso authorities have been increasing their resources in the fight against drugs. "Stash House Units" are being established in a collaboration of police, sheriffs, the DEA, and the INS in order to manage the growing problem of illegal drug storage houses in the area.

Sources: El Paso Times, El Diario

Monday, September 13, 1999: Border Park Gets Cleaned Up

An effort to clean up Chamizal Park, a key outdoor facility in Cd. Juárez for events that often draw crowds from both sides of the border, was initiated yesterday.

As locals approached the park for picnics or ball games they were met at all four entrances with volunteers passing out large black plastic garbage bags and pamphlets on information on how to care for the environment. This initiative was put in place by the City Department of Environment and Civil Protection.

Horacio Moldonado, an employee of the Department said they hoped to pass out up to two thousand bags. "People have welcomed the program. The park is for everyone, so we must work to conserve it." He added that this initiative may become a regular Sunday activity.

A resident picnicking in the park said she appreciated the effort which was backed by two local businesses.

Source: El Diario

Sunday, September 12, 1999: Drug Trafficking Discovered In Juárez Maquilas

Less than 24 hours after a new campaign to stop drug addiction in the Cd. Juárez maquilas was announced, the trafficking of cocaine was discovered by a special police force in a Juárez factory.

Last Friday, Ismael González Vera, state representative of the PGR, announced a collaboration with the Association of Maquilas (AMAC) in a program that would work to prevent drug use among the workers in the maquila industry. On Saturday, at the maquila Breed, a special police officer discovered an employee selling cocaine to co-workers. Leopoldo Galaviz, 27, a machine operator, was arrested for possession and trafficking.

According to Carlos Armendáriz Chaparro, director of the Special Task Force Orion, an anti-drug trafficking group, will now be implement an effort where undercover agents will be policing the maquilas. Armendáriz believes the problem is on the increase however the investigations will be carried out through managers and no workers' rights will be violated.

Source: El Diario

Thursday, September 9, 1999: School Shooting Prompts Emergency Action

Aldama district director Commander Antonio Navarrante Pérez has announced the implementation of a vigilance program at all educational facilities following the face-off, and subsequent shooting, between students at one of the schools.

The shooting, which occurred at the Federal Secondary Facility #6 on Tuesday afternoon, was determined to be a result of school rivalry. "Because it was not dismissal time, no one was injured as a result of the shooting; however it is apparently necessary to double our monitoring efforts to avoid future violent outbreaks which could result in tragedy" stated Pérez. Four minors were accused of firing at the "intruders" and were consequently arrested. The minors, having already fled from the scene, were found following a search of the surrounding areas.

The emergency procedures will call for "security" officers to be present at the determined schools thirty minutes prior to classes and thirty minutes following the dismissal of classes. "As of this date, there have been six schools requesting major security monitoring because of the constant dilemma of between gangs in and out of [school] session" reported Pérez. The director also added that the conflicts are initiated when young men, from rival gangs or schools, arrive at the given school looking for girls and inadvertently anger the youth present.

Furthermore, Pérez advised that parents take an active role in the safety of their children by inspecting school supplies for inappropriate items such as paint, aerosol, and weapons. Also, parents are being asked to maintain a closer relationship with the instructors in order to prevent their children from wandering into other school yards after their own classes have ended and a conflict ensuing.

Source: El Diario

Friday, September 3, 1999: Express Lane Opens Next Week On Border

According to the assistant of "Streets and Federal Bridges (Capufe)" director Rubén Luna Caldera, construction of the first Express Lane at the international bridge at Stanton, also referred to as "Reforma" or "Lerdo", will be completed September 4. This new border traffic lane will provide quicker service and more effective monitoring in crossing the border to those who purchase the permit.

As of now, the final touches of asphalt and paint are pending installation before operation of the Express Lane can be initiated. "Our goal is to monitor the traffic at the frontier crossings, and the Express Lane is one of the ways to do this," stated joint director of Mexico's Immigration and Naturalization Service (SIN) of the El Paso district.

The Express Lane will serve the 550 individuals who have already received authorization from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Seventy-one percent of the authorized users are U.S. citizens. The Express Lane will operate from six in the morning until ten at night from Monday through Friday. Saturday service will be considered based on the demand of the users. Use of the Express Lane will cost approximately two-hundred dollars per year. As of now, more than five-hundred individuals are awaiting approval for Express Lane usage.

An inauguration ceremony will be held at the international bridge at Stanton on September 7 at 11:15 a.m., U.S. time, and 11:30 (Mexico time). Those attending will include the commissioner of SIN, Doris Meissner; the director of SIN of the El Paso district, Luis García; congressman Silvestre Reyes; the governor of Chihuahua, Patricio Martínez; and mayors from El Paso and Cd. Juárez.

Source: El Diario

Thursday, September 2, 1999: New Program To Keep Kids Off Nicotine And Alcohol

The Chihuahua State Department of Education is implementing a new program with the 1999-2000 school year to prevent tobacco and alcohol addictions in elementary school children.

According to General Director of Education in the North Zone Humberto Morales Moreno, the new program "Alcohol and Tobacco Addiction Prevention Program for Elementary School Children," will prevent two common addictions from affecting the youth of Cd. Juárez.

This project is not receiving funding from the State Government of Chihuahua, however it is receiving money from the U.S. and will be run through a corps of volunteers who are going into the schools to do trainings. Teachers will be "armed" with the necessary information.

An additional program "Academic Project of Cd. Juárez (PROAJ)" is being implemented by Morales Moreno who was appointed to this position last July.

Source: El Diario

Wednesday, September 1, 1999: Cd. Juárez International Airport Will Be Sold

México's Communications Secretary has authorized the sale of Cd. Juárez' major airport "Abraham González" as part of the Airport Group of the North Zone which is planned to be disincorporated from federal control.

The airport is currently offering only commercial passenger flights to locations within the country. Although legally capable of receiving and dispatching foreign flights, it is not currently fiscally able. The three companies working out of Abraham González Airport are Aeroméxico, Aerolitoral and Aerocalifornia.

It is hoped that with recent private improvements, more than 50 charter flights will arrive daily to meet the demand of the growing maquila industry. Once the disincorporation is in effect, business as usual should be protected, as will current employees' status.

The current disincorporation request begins today and should take up to 12 months to complete. Numerous airports are involved, those that may most effect the border are airports in Chihuahua and Juárez cities.

Source: El Diario