More U.S. funds freed for Mexico’s drug fight

Mexico City —  The United States has released an additional $99 million as part of an aid package to support Mexico’s police and soldiers in their fight against drug cartels.

U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said Wednesday that the funds would help Mexico’s military buy aircraft and other equipment to help detect drugs, cash and weapons. He said the equipment would arrive in the fall.

Washington released $197 million in December as part of a $400-million U.S. anti-drug package for Mexico for this fiscal year.

The money is coming at a crucial time. Mexico’s death toll from drug violence soared above 5,000 in 2008, and the killing has continued this year.

Tijuana police said Wednesday that gunmen opened fire from several cars late Tuesday, killing a 22-year-old standing with his family outside his house.

Separately, two bodies were found wrapped in blankets and dumped on the street near a cemetery in the border city.

And four decapitated bodies were found early Wednesday in a neighborhood close to the U.S. border.

The heads of the victims were found inside a black bag left at the scene.