Acapulco mayor in drugs inquiry

Drug-related violence is blamed for more than 2,000 deaths in 2006

The authorities are investigating whether there are links between drug cartels and the mayor of the south-western Mexican city of Acapulco.

Welcoming the inquiry, Mayor Felix Salgado said he was "clean".

In the latest drug-related violence, seven people were shot dead last week in government offices in the city.

In recent months, thousands of federal troops and police have been sent to Acapulco and other parts of Mexico to tackle drug-related crime.

'No links'

Public Security Minister Genaro Garcia said investigators would determine whether Mayor Salgado had tried to cover up the cartel's activities.

He also said the municipal police were being investigated.

Mr Salgado said such investigations, at all levels of government, were necessary to maintain public confidence.

"My conscience is clear. We are working correctly - we have no links to drugs trafficking," he said.

Last Tuesday, gunmen dressed as soldiers staged and videotaped an assault on the offices of the state attorney general, killing seven people.

More than 2,000 deaths were blamed on drug-related violence last year.

President Felipe Calderon has pledged to intensify the fight against crime and drug trafficking.