US tightens Mexico border control

The US government is to spend $700 million to increase security at the country\'s border with Mexico in an attempt to combat drug cartels.



White House officials say the number of immigration, customs and anti-drug agents and gun law enforcement officers will be increased.



They say agents from the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will also be sent to the border to help to deal with the issue.



Some 8,000 people have died in Mexico over the past two years amid bitter turf wars between rival drug gangs.



The plan will draw on funds already allocated by Congress to assist Mexico in its fight against the drug cartels.



The government in Mexico has offered a reward of $2 million each for information leading to the arrest of the country’s 24 most-wanted drug gang leaders.