Posted on June 13, 2012

Increase Expected in Chinese Illegal Immigrants Crossing into Rio Grande Valley

KRGV, June 7, 2012

A former Drug Enforcement Administration agent predicts an increase in Chinese immigrants crossing illegally into the Rio Grande Valley.

“The Chinese organized criminals — especially when it comes to human smuggling — will team up with anybody that will assist them in transporting people from China to the U.S. via Mexico . . .  The Zetas are well organized in smuggling people in the U.S.,” says Phil Jordan, a former DEA supervisor.

Agents found the connection between the two organizations by investigating the Zetas’ biggest moneymaking operation — drug trafficking.

“The Chinese have always been involved in precursor chemicals that are used to manufacture meth,” explains Jordan.

He says the Zetas and Chinese mafia have a drug trafficking network that runs through Latin America. U.S. drug agents and customs officers intercepted 40-foot containers filled with a highly dangerous and addictive drug used to make methamphetamine. The containers were headed to the Zetas in Belize. The seizure is reportedly worth $10 billion.

“If the intelligence continues to show the Chinese are partnering with the Zetas, you’re going to see an obvious increase in the number of Chinese coming across,” says Jordan.

The U.S. State Department’s 2010 human trafficking report states the Zetas have the biggest human trafficking network in the world transporting Asians. They charge up to $70,000 or more per person. {snip}

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