UC San Diego’s Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies among the key partner institutions for the first-of–its kind, international effort

June 30, 2020 (San Diego) -- Despite being considered the world’s second largest producer of opium and heroin, little is known about poppy cultivation in Mexico. Yet, the opioid crisis remains a huge problem across much of the U.S. and Mexico and COVID-19 appears to have made matters worse: Recent lockdowns have disrupted the flow of synthetic opioids and have ostensibly increased production of heroin in Mexico.

To address the global opioid crisis, the Mexico Opium Network, a first-of-its kind international effort, was recently launched to examine the socio-political challenges posed by illicit poppy crops in Mexico.

85 defendants charged for distributing methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl

East County News Service

September 19, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- Eight indictments were unsealed today in San Diego federal court, charging 85 members of drug distribution networks linked to the Sinaloa Cartel with federal drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms offenses. Authorities are searching for 38 defendants; the rest are in state or federal custody, the U.S. Department of Justice in San Diego announced.

January 30, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

WORLD

• Egypt's leader declares emergency after clashes (Reuters)
• Canadian opposition introduces bill that makes secession easier (Reuters)
• Images suggest NKorea ready for nuke test  (U-T San Diego)
• After threatening the US, North Korea turns its ire on South Korea (U-T San Diego)
• Around The Globe, Women Already Serve In Combat Units (NPR)
• Violence flares on anniversary of Egypt uprising (Jerusalem Post)
• Russian forces kill three militants in North Caucasus (Reuters)
• 15,000 crocodiles escape in South Africa? Police need herding help after floods (Christian Science Monitor)
• Russia's Vladimir Putin says West is fomenting jihadi 'blowback' (Christian Science Monitor)
• Muslim ‘modesty patrol’ stalking streets of London (Jerusalem Post)
• Court rejects Saudi blogger case (BBC)

NATIONAL

• Title IX redux? Education Dept. says school sports can't shut out disabled. (Christian Science Monitor)
• Court won't hear challenge to Clean Air Act rule (U-T San Diego)
• Regulator: Huge cuts coming to New England fishing (U-T San Diego)
• Shocking: Reporting Factory Farm Abuses to be Considered ‘Act of Terrorism’ If New Laws Pass  (Alternet, reprinted at San Diego Free Press)
• Anonymous threatens Justice Dept. over hactivist death (CNN)
• Court: Obama appointments are unconstitutional (U-T San Diego)
• Court says EPA overestimates biofuels production (AP)
• Pentagon researches new life for dead satellites (Sacramento Bee)
• Court overturns another Guantanamo conviction (Reuters)
• Pentagon To Dramatically Expand 'Cyber Warrior' Force (NPR)

HEALTH

• New Norovirus Strain Rips Through The U.S. (NPR)
• Scientists create 'tractor beam' (BBC)
• Heroin: Small cities, even rural towns face growing problems (Christian Science Monitor)
• Long-term aspirin 'blindness link' (BBC)
• New lingo for consumers: health overhaul glossary (U-T San Diego)
• Health insurance exchanges will transform market (U-T San Diego)
• Bird, Plane, Bacteria? Microbes Thrive In Storm Clouds (NPR)