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A Southern California-based federal drug task force rounded up more than 57 members of three alleged Mexican drug organizations accused of smuggling cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin into the U.S. by hiding the drugs in PVC pipes concealed in tractor-trailer axles, according to federal prosecutors.

Trade experts assessing a federal appeals court’s recent affirmation of the United States’ cross-border trucking pilot program with Mexico could not agree whether it paved the way for a rush of new Mexican carriers.

In 2012, the Obama administration’s Mexican cross-border three-year pilot project got into full swing, but a federal court challenge and a lack of widespread interest among Mexican motor carriers continued to threaten the program’s success.

Customs officials from the United States and Mexico said they will soon open a facility in Tijuana, Mexico, that will expand inspection capabilities for trucks entering the United States and combine export and import operations.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mexico continues to become an increasingly desirable manufacturing and freight market for reasons ranging from more competitive labor costs to improved transportation infrastructure, carriers and their customers agreed at an industry meeting here.

A growing economy and a global shift in manufacturing are spurring investment in Mexico’s freight transportation industry, according to a recent study that said there is a $68.4 billion market for trucking services in Mexico.

Enrique Peña Nieto won Mexico’s presidential election on July 1, returning the once-dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party to power following a 12-year hiatus.