US drug imports foster violence

[NewsWhore]

US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas A. Shannon says that the rise of violence in the DR is directly related to the increase in drug-related activities in the country. According to Listin Diario, Shannon described the situation here as similar to that in Mexico and Venezuela. He added that in the past, Mexican cartels only focused on shipping to the US, but now they are focused on selling in Mexico as well, and says the same trend is being observed in the DR. Listin Diario writes that the US Congress could approve an aid package totaling US$165 million, but only US$5 million would be directed towards the DR. Shannon is quoted as saying, "we know this isn't much, but it's better than nothing."

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