The fight against drug trafficking in Mexico remains a crucial issue for both his government and the United States .
With cartels more powerful than ever and violence on the rise, many question whether Mexico will be able to eradicate this problem and how its security crisis impacts its northern neighbors.
A deep-rooted problem
Drug trafficking in Mexico is not a new problem. For decades, the country has been one of the main routes for trafficking drugs into the United States, especially fentanyl and cocaine. According to the DEA, more than 90% of the fentanyl arriving in the US comes from Mexico.
Despite the efforts of several Mexican governments, including the deployment of the National Guard, the cartels continue to expand their influence, operating as true parallel states in some regions of the country.
Impact of the security crisis in the U.S.
Buzzy
Opioid epidemic: Mexican drug trafficking is not only affecting its territory. In the United States, the opioid crisis has reached alarming levels, claiming the lives of more than 100,000 people by 2022, according to the CDC. Fentanyl, a synthetic drug 50 times more potent than heroin, is primarily responsible for these deaths.
Forced migration: Cartel-generated violence has also driven thousands of Mexicans and Central Americans to flee to the United States.
For the Hispanic community in the US, this situation is particularly relevant, since many families have direct connections with the most affected regions
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Can Mexico win the fight?
Analysts agree that current strategies, based mainly on militarization, have not yielded the expected results. Some experts suggest that Mexico should focus on:
Fighting corruption: Ties between cartels and certain government sectors hinder progress.
Dismantling financial networks: Attacking the cartels’ revenue sources could be key.
Prevention and social programs: Invest in vulnerable communities to reduce recruitment of new members.
Cooperation with the United States
U.S.-Mexico collaboration is also essential.
Joint programs such as the Merida Initiative have had limited impact, but recent negotiations point to a more balanced approach, where both countries share responsibilities.
Eradicating drug trafficking in Mexico is no easy task.
However, a combination of effective local strategies and international cooperation could make a difference.
For the Hispanic community in the United States, the fight against drug trafficking is not just distant news, but an issue that directly affects their communities and families.
