High-ranking Mexico intel official slain

Gunmen fatally shot a high-ranking intelligence official as he was on his way to work at the Attorney General's Office on Monday, officials said.

Jose Nemesio Lugo, who investigated drug and migrant smuggling, among other issues, was shot numerous times, several in the head, while he was driving to work, said a spokesman at the city prosecutor's office who was not authorized to give his name.

The assailants fled and no arrests have been made. Witnesses told police at least three gunmen were involved.

Lugo last month was named general coordinator of the attorney general's National Center of Planning, Analysis and Information for the Combat of Crime.

He previously headed a unit that investigated the trafficking of minors, illegal migrants and organs within the Attorney General's Office, according to an official there who was not authorized to give his name.

Under former President Vicente Fox, Lugo was director of airports, seaports and border crossings for the federal Public Security Department, a police agency. He also worked for the Federal Preventative Police as director of a unit investigating the trafficking of drugs, contraband, migrants and minors.

The official said it was not yet clear if Lugo's death was linked to his work.

Drug gangs have increased their attacks in recent weeks, opening fire on police and soldiers in response to President Felipe Calderon's nationwide crackdown on organized crime. Calderon's government has sent more than 24,000 soldiers to areas plagued by drug violence.