CNN: Mexican cartels threaten AZ police
by KTAR Newsroom (June 22nd, 2010 @ 10:19am)

NOGALES, Ariz. -- Mexican drug cartels are making direct threats against U.S. law enforcement officials in Nogales, Ariz., CNN reported.

The network said it's the first time that U.S. officials on the border have confirmed long-rumored threats against them.

The threats began two weeks ago after off-duty Nogales police officers who were horseback riding on the eastern edge of town came across a drug-smuggling operation. Several hundred pounds of marijuana were seized, CNN reported.

"We are taking the threats very seriously," Nogales Police Chief Jeffrey Kirkham told CNN. "We have received information from informants who work in Mexico that the drug cartel running that operation was unhappy about our seizure. They told our informant that they understand uniformed police officers have a job to do, but anyone out of uniform who gets involved in their operation will be targeted."

An increased presence by Customs and Immigration officers has been ordered, CNN reported.