Police 9 Dec killed Nazario Moreno, head of Michoacán- based La Familia cartel; govt said La Familia “systematically weakened” during year, but analysts warned that 2010 killing of several high-profile cartel leaders has failed to quell violence. Congress 14 Dec voted to end immunity for MP César Godoy Toscano, accused of ties to La Familia; first time immunity removed from public official. Attorney general 16 Dec said some 12,500 killed in drug violence Jan-Nov, up from 9,600 for 2009. In ongoing major offensive against Zetas, Gulf cartels in Tamaulipas, army 7 Dec killed 6 suspected Zetas in Gustavo Diaz Ordaz town.

Army 5 Nov killed Gulf cartel leader Ezequiel Cardenas; govt hailed as ”major victory”, but analysts warned power vacuum could lead to intensified fighting between Gulf and Zetas cartels in Tamaulipas. Gunmen 8 Nov killed mayor-elect of Veracruz town.

To increase effectiveness in anti-drug fight, President Calderón 6 Oct sent bill to Congress seeking to unify current national police force and 32 state forces under single command. Calderón 27 Oct said U.S. has “clear responsibility” in Mexico’s drug fight; accused Washington of not doing enough to lessen domestic drug consumption, combat illegal weapons supply to Mexico. Ex-President Fox 25 Oct criticised anti-drug policy of Calderón administration, called for army to be removed from fight against cartels. More than 100 killed in string of late-month massacres by suspected cartels, including 6 in Mexico City 28 Oct.

Murders of 2 mayors in north increased to 10 number of mayors killed by organised crime in 2010. Clashes between security forces and drug cartels in region reportedly saw at least 50 cartel members killed. Following U.S. university report detailing arms trafficking to Mexico, President Calderon denounced “irresponsible arms sales”.

72 migrant workers found dead in Tamaulipas 24 Aug; lone survivor said they were massacred by Zetas drug cartel after refusing to pay extortion or take part in smuggling; govt 25 Aug promised full investigation. Govt 3 Aug said some 28,000 killed in drug violence since army first deployed against cartels Dec 2006, up 3,000 from previous estimates; President Calderón 10 Aug admitted govt strategy against drug cartels could be “reworked”, including complete overhaul of police force, but military would still be used. Govt 30 Aug fired 3,200 police, 10% of total force, over alleged corruption and ties to drug trafficking. Fears raised about increasing cartel control of second city Monterrey: suspected Zetas 14-16 Aug blocked road access to city centre, attacked soldiers; Edelmiro Cavazos, mayor of Santiago town near Monterrey, found dead 18 Aug, 7 police connected to “drug gang” arrested 20 Aug. Ex-president Vicente Fox 9 Aug called for legalisation of drugs; Calderón 3 Aug said still opposed to legalisation, but for first time called for “fundamental debate” on issue. Alleged leading drug kingpin Edgar Valdez of Beltran Leyva cartel arrested 31 Aug. UN, OAS 24 Aug said Mexico most dangerous country for media workers in Americas, some 60 journalists killed since 2000.

Mass protests, vandalism and hunger strikes followed narrow 2 July election defeat of left-wing presidential candidate Lopez Obrador. Electoral court to rule on legal challenges to right-wing candidate Calderon’s win by end August and declare president-elect by 6 September. Obrador warned of political and social unrest if court upholds Calderon’s win; supporters began blockading streets 30 July forcing shut down of embassies and government offices.