US releases $99 million of Mexico anti-drug money

MEXICO CITY: The United States has released another $99 million as part of an aid package to support Mexico's police and soldiers in their fight against drug cartels.

US Ambassador Tony Garza says the funds will help Mexico's military buy aircraft and other equipment to help detect drugs, cash and weapons.

Garza made the announcement Wednesday. He said the equipment will arrive in the fall. The money comes at a critical time: Mexico's death toll from drug violence soared to more than 5,000 in 2008, and drug-related murders and kidnappings are spilling over the US border as well.

The US released $197 million in December as part of the $1.3 billion U.S. anti-drug package, known as the Merida Initiative.