The U.S. government finally releases the first part of a $400 million aid package to support Mexico’s police and soldiers fight the drug cartels.

KFOX told you how the Merida Initiative will enable both nations to work more closely in the drug war sharing information about cartels in real time.

The US released the first $197 million at a signing ceremony in Mexico City, the rest will be come throughout next year.

The money comes at a critical time: Mexico's death toll from drug violence has soared above 4,000 so far this year.