Mexico and U.S. join forces in record drug bust
Mexico has made progress in combating the narcotics trade, seizing a record amount of fentanyl and disrupting numerous production facilities, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced.
Speaking before the United States House Committee on Appropriations, Blinken emphasised the importance of continued cooperation and capacity-building with partner countries, highlighting Mexico as a prime example.
Blinken detailed the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Mexico, which have led to dozens of arrests of key operatives within criminal enterprises.
"We have worked with Mexico, for example, with information and support that’s produced dozens of arrests of first and second-tier operatives in these criminal enterprises," he is quoted by Mexico News Daily.
He said these achievements have been facilitated by U.S. assistance and support, suggesting that additional funding would further enhance Mexico’s anti-narcotics capabilities.
“We have the technology. It’s both the old kind, things like canines can be very effective, but also actual technology - screening technology. Based on our best assessments, the overwhelming majority of the fentanyl coming into this country is coming through our ports of entry, so deploying that technology on both sides - the Mexican side and our side - that can make a big difference,” Blinken said.
The Secretary of State elaborated on the use of advanced technology and traditional methods such as canine units to intercept fentanyl. He noted that a significant portion of the fentanyl entering the U.S. comes through ports of entry, and deploying technology on both sides of the border could make a substantial difference.
Despite the substantial amounts of fentanyl still reaching the U.S., the current Mexican administration, led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has achieved record seizures of the drug. National Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval reported that 8,222.5 kilograms (8.2 tonnes) of fentanyl were confiscated from December 1, 2018, to May 13, 2024. This figure fades the 532 kilograms seized during the last four years of former President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration, marking a significant increase in drug enforcement efforts.
