In 2006, Mexican president Felipe Calderón declared war on drug cartels and committed government more resources to stop the violence and stem the flow of drugs. Since then, the government has made some gains, notably arresting “disposal expert” who dissolved over 300 victims for a Tijuana drug cartel. However, there have been heavy losses as well – gun battles, assassinations, and fights between rival cartels have resulted in over 9,500 deaths since December 2006 – over 5,300 killed last year alone.
Boston.com takes you through a series of photos (34 in total) of Mexico’s drug war on The Big Picture.