Mexican president vows to tackle drug trade

PRESIDENT Felipe Calderon has vowed to redouble the government's efforts in tackling drug trafficking after gangs killed three federal officers last week.

"Organised crime is reacting this way because they know and feel we are hitting their criminal structure and operations," Calderon said after the funeral service of police chief Edgar Millan Gomez, the third high-ranking official killed in Mexico City this month.

"They know that Mexicans will no longer live in submission, and we are determined to take back our streets."

Since taking office, Calderon has sent more than 25,000 troops to combat drug traffickers.

Cartels have responded with unprecedented violence, beheading police and killing soldiers. More than 2,500 people were killed in drug-related violence last year.