Teen Hitman Is Drug Trade’s Latest Casualty

We all know illegal drugs are a serious issue, and it’s especially heartbreaking when they affect children, but a recent headline shows a horrific new side of America’s drug problem.

In July 2011, A Mexican judge sentenced a 14-year-old US citizen to three years in prison for homicide, kidnapping and drug and weapons possession. Authorities say the teen, Edgar Jimenez Lugo (aka "El Ponchis"), confessed to killing four people whose beheaded bodies were found suspended from a bridge in the tourist city of Cuernavaca.

Authorities say the teenager worked for the South Pacific drug cartel, led by reputed drug lord Hector Beltran Leyva. When he was handed over to federal prosecutors, the boy calmly said in front of cameras that he participated in four killings while drugged and under threat.

Top of Form

Jimenez was born in San Diego, California, and was arrested in December 2010 along with a sister as they tried to board a plane to Tijuana. The teenager has been in a juvenile detention center in Morelos since his arrest and will serve his time there, officials say.

The two siblings allegedly worked for Julio "El Negro" Padilla, a reputed drug trafficker who authorities say has been fighting for control of the drug trade in Morelos.

Morelos was formerly under the control of the Beltran Leyva gang, which broke up after alleged leader Arturo Beltran Leyva was killed in a shootout with Mexican marines a year ago. The battle among remnants of the gang has caused an unprecedented spike in violence in Morelos and in neighboring Guerrero state, where the resort city of Acapulco is located.

The young defendant is so notorious that he was transported to the courthouse compound in a military convoy. Because he is a minor, the public was not allowed inside the courtroom in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Only the judge, defense and prosecution attorneys, family members, and a human rights observer were allowed inside.

The case is just the latest in what has become a drug epidemic south of our border, and now there’s concrete proof that its not only impacting adults, but kids are being caught up too. As long as there’s a demand for illegal drugs in the US and there’s money to be made, the drug-related problems in Mexico will continue.

Drug Addiction

If you or someone you love is battling a drug addiction, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about drug abuse treatment, financing or insurance.