Mexico Replaces all Border Agents

August 17 --

700 customs agents who work at borders across Mexico have been completely replaced in an effort to stamp out drug smuggling and corruption. More than 1,400 new agents were dispatched to 49 customs points near borders and at airports.

The major difference between these agents and the last? They have all undergone background checks to ensure they have no criminal records.

The new agents, more than 70 per cent of whom are university educated, were chosen in a "strict selection process that included psychological and toxicological checks, as well as the necessary investigations to ensure they have no criminal record", the tax administration said in a statement.

The 700 agents who were replaced – fewer than 10 per cent of whom have university degrees - would not be banned from reapplying for their jobs, but would have to meet the new, stricter requirements.