Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has called on the United States to take greater responsibility in combating drug trafficking, particularly in tackling fentanyl distribution within its borders. She emphasized that organized crime networks in the U.S. play a crucial role in the distribution of narcotics that enter the country.
U.S. Criminal Networks Distribute Imported Drugs
During a press conference, Sheinbaum highlighted that drug trafficking is not solely a Mexican issue but also involves American networks responsible for distribution.
“In the United States, there is also organized crime, and there are American citizens involved in these illicit activities. Otherwise, who would distribute fentanyl in U.S. cities? The issue is not just about drugs crossing from Mexico but also about their distribution within the U.S.,” she stated.
Sheinbaum pointed out that while Mexico is committed to intelligence-sharing and security collaboration, the U.S. must take greater action against domestic criminal organizations that profit from the drug trade.
Bilateral Cooperation Needed to Combat Drug and Arms Trafficking
The Mexican president reaffirmed her government’s commitment to working with the U.S. on security matters but insisted that both countries need to address the full scope of the issue.
“Collaboration is not just about the U.S. providing intelligence for arrests in Mexico. The U.S. must also take action to stop the drug trade within its borders. Likewise, we need to address the flow of weapons from the U.S. into Mexico,” she explained.
Sheinbaum stressed that the arms trade fuels violence in Mexico, as most weapons used by criminal groups originate in the United States. She reiterated that during recent discussions with U.S. officials, she raised the urgent need for stronger control over arms trafficking.
Fentanyl Crisis: A Shared Responsibility
The Mexican leader also expressed concern over the devastating impact of fentanyl addiction in the U.S. She pointed out that the high demand for the drug is a major factor driving its production and trafficking.
“The reality is that the largest drug consumption market in the world is in the United States. Many of the organized crime problems we face are linked to this demand, which is why cooperation and coordination are essential,” Sheinbaum stated.
She emphasized that while Mexico continues to crack down on drug traffickers, lasting change will require efforts from both nations.
Arrest of U.S. Citizen Highlights Transnational Crime
As part of Mexico’s ongoing crackdown on organized crime, Sheinbaum highlighted the recent arrest of an American citizen, Sotero N., in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. He was accused of drug and arms trafficking, demonstrating the cross-border nature of these crimes.
“This arrest shows that drug trafficking is not limited to one country. Just as drugs flow north, weapons flow south, and both involve individuals from multiple nationalities,” Sheinbaum concluded.
She reiterated Mexico’s commitment to security cooperation but stressed that U.S. authorities must take stronger action against their own criminal networks.
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