Four drug enforcement officials, including two employed by the US embassy, were killed in a road accident in northern Mexico while returning from a large operation against drug trafficking, the prosecutor announced on Sunday.
These agents had taken part in a raid on six clandestine synthetic drug laboratories in Morelos, Chihuahua state, at the end of a three-month investigation, the state attorney, César Jauregui, said at a press conference.
The victims’ vehicle, which was at the head of a convoy of five official cars, skidded and plunged into a ravine, the prosecutor said. The two Americans were “training officers” carrying out training tasks within the framework of anti-drug cooperation between Washington and Mexico, he added.
“This tragedy solemnly reminds us of the risks faced by these Mexican and American officials who dedicate themselves to protecting our communities,” said US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson while paying tribute to the victims.
Under pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump, Mexico has strengthened its anti-drug cooperation with the United States in recent months and extradited dozens of drug traffickers to its northern neighbor.
