Drugs destroyed in Mexico

At a base outside Tijuana, a soldier hurls more fuel on a flaming heap of contraband drugs, including more than 2 tons of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and prescription pills. A steady breeze carried the smoke over other recruits training on a live-fire rifle range. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 11:29 AM PT

At a base outside Tijuana more than 2 tons of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and prescription pills go up in smoke. The contraband was set ablaze amid speeches, singing of the national anthem and a trumpet call. Seated dignitaries set it ablaze with the push of a button that sparked the gasoline-soaked pile.

At an army base outside Tijuana, young troops toss bricks of marijuana in a pile in preparation for the burning of more than 2 tons of contraband that also included cocaine, heroin and prescription drugs. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

An army band watches as more than 2 tons of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and prescription pills go up in smoke. The contraband was set ablaze amid speeches, singing of the national anthem and a trumpet call. Seated dignitaries set it ablaze with the push of a button that sparked the gasoline soaked pile. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

At an army base outside Tijuana, Mexican Army troops cut open bricks of marijuana in preparation for the burning of more than 2 tons of contraband that also included cocaine, heroin and prescription drugs. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Wrapped up against the searing heat, a Mexican soldier stirs up the burning pile of marijuana and other contraband drugs recently confiscated by authorities in Tijuana. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)