Investigation after town thanks drug lord for Christmas gifts

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mexico's president has said that prosecutors are investigating a town where a sign was posted thanking a drug lord for holiday season gifts for children. The cartels often want local people to warn them of army raids, but at the same time the gangs usually extort protection money from local residents. Videos posted on social media last week from the town of Coalcoman, in the western state of Michoacan, showed a sign at a Christmas fair thanking Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, better known by his nickname “El Mencho,” for the gifts. “A criminal group cannot hold a public event to promote the acceptance of violence.” A map of Coalcoman: Sheinbaum said federal prosecutors were investigating whether the town's mayor “has ties to criminal groups, or who put this this sign up.” In areas of Michoacan along the border with Michoacan that are dominated by the powerful Jalisco cartel, it is not unusual to see signs of the gang's control.