Mexico governor to probe media over cartel toy distribution

XALAPA, Mexico – The governor of the Mexican gulf coast state of Veracruz has asked authorities to investigate media outlets that published photos of toys apparently distributed by a drug cartel on Children’s Day.

Gov. Cuitláhuac García Jiménez says he wants to find out what contacts exist between organized crime and the press.

He did not specify which outlets would be investigated.

Social media users also circulated photos of the toy distribution and said the Jalisco New Generation cartel handed out toys in 15 municipalities in the state’s central mountainous area.

Toys were wrapped in clear plastic and tagged with cards carrying the group’s initials.

Drug cartels have been known to do such public relations outreach in communities they are trying to secure against competitors. The Jalisco cartel is among the most powerful.