The drug war and escalating violence has spread into Arizona, leading to more kidnappings and shootings in the state.  Arizona for a long time has been a gateway for drugs, weapons, and human smuggling.  Officials believe that border-crimes are shifting and it is due to the levels of violence along the border region.  Jonathan Paton, chairman of the State Senate Judiciary Committee, said there were bills pending in the legislature that focused on border crime.

Randal C. Archibold, 2/23/09

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/us/24border.html?_r=1&ref=americas