The numbers are staggering: 213 executions, 11 decapitations, 35 grenade attacks and 24 murdered police officers from 40 separate attacks. The majority of the killings, which represent over half of all the killings in the state in 2006, were carried out in Acapulco. Additionally, there has been a spike in kidnappings and disappearances - a grim reality that has frightened residents of the area.

According to reports from Guerrero state prosecutors, "at least one act of violence" has been carried out daily for the last 12 months.

The Pacific coastal area, known as the Costa Grande or "Big Coast" is known for lush hills and blue sea, and is the most developed part of the largely poor state of Guerrero. It is also the target of President Felipe Calderón´s operation to stamp out the violence through the deployment of military forces.

But the region´s rugged geography - sheer mountains and winding canyons - favors the drug cartel hitmen responsible for the wave of violence. Those who don´t hide out in the wilderness can easily find anonymity in the growing cities of Acapulco and Ixtapa.

According to locals, the Sinaloa and Gulf cartels have battled for control of the region, desirable for traffickers because of the miles of secluded beach that are ideal for receiving illicit shipments. Most are hesitant to comment on the government´s recent anti-drug operation, fearful the violence could spike once again when the soldiers leave.

However, many say that the explosion of small time narcotics dealers, who sell drugs to tourists and locals, spurred the violence.