Whack-a-mole: 27,000 arrested in Mexico drug war in 2010

This is the week of year-end statistics. This brief announcement gives no explanation for the 10,000 person difference between the number of arrests given in the first paragraph and in a later one. Anyway, the important statistic is the missing one - how many were convicted. The conviction rate in Mexico has been about 2%. With the higher arrest figure, this would mean about 500 were convicted of crimes. We will watch for further information about this.

AFP: 27,000 arrested in Mexico drug war in 2010: "Security forces have this year arrested over 27,000 suspected drug gang members, as part of Mexico's ongoing bloody military-led crackdown on cartel operations, officials said.

In total, some 17,200 gang members have been arrested in 2010, according to a joint statement issued by the secretaries of defense, interior and federal prosecutors.

No details were given on how many convictions were brought post-arrest." Dec. 24, 2010