Mexico's Counter-Narcotics Efforts under Fox, December 2000 to October 2004

Publication Date: November 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Social conditions

Type:

Coverage: Mexico

Abstract:

This report provides information on Mexico's counter-narcotics efforts during the first four years of the presidency of Vicente Fox. Special emphasis is placed on calendar year 2003, covered by the State Department's March 2004 report on international narcotics control, and the first six months of 2004, covered in President Fox's September 2004 "State of the Nation" report. This report will be updated when warranted by events.

Share of Traffic. According to the State Department, an estimated 70 percent of the U.S.-bound cocaine shipments pass through Mexican territory, a higher estimate than in past years. Mexico remains a major source country for heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine, and a major center for money laundering activities.

Control Efforts. Seizures of cocaine by Mexico in 2003 were up 59% from 2002, but they were down 15% from the average yearly seizures in the previous five years (1998-2002), according to the State Department's latest report. Seizures of marijuana were up 24% from 2002, as well, and up 33% from the average in the previous five years. Seizures of methamphetamine and drug labs increased significantly in 2003 as compared to 2002 and as compared to the 1998-2002 average. On the other hand, seizures of opium in 2003 were down 39% from 2002, and down 30% from the average of the 1998-2002 period. Seizures of heroin were down 41% in 2003 compared to 2002, and were down 49% from the previous five years. Arrests were up in all categories in 2003, and there were major actions against leading drug lords. The Mexican State of the Nation report states that 31,719 people associated with seven drug organizations were arrested from December 2000 to June 2004, including 15 cartel leaders, 39 financiers, and 64 lieutenants. Mexico extradited 31 persons to the United States in 2003, including 18 Mexican nationals on drug-related charges. Eradication of opium and marijuana increased in 2003, but with more hectares of cultivation, the potential yield of opium was up 74% over 2002 and up 45% from the previous five years, while the potential yield of marijuana was up 71% from 2002 and up 76% from the 1998-2002 average.

Cooperative Efforts. President Bush and President Fox have met many times and have made the bilateral relationship a top priority, although disagreements over Iraq created some tension. In these meetings, the presidents agreed to enhance law enforcement and counter-narcotics cooperation between the two countries, and this cooperation was facilitated by the modification of the U.S. drug certification process. Top officials say that the countries have achieved unprecedented levels of cooperation, including the sharing of sensitive intelligence and expanded training for Mexican anti-drug forces. In the post 9/11/01 period, the countries have expanded cooperation into overlapping counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism programs.