Mexico City, Mexico — Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign relations says fentanyl seizures in Mexico have increased by 1,049 percent. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SRE), Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, says Mexico’s fentanyl seizures represents 25 percent globally.
Duirng a recent forum, Secretary Bárcena reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to confronting synthetic drugs. The chancellor emphasized the need to focus on the problem with a comprehensive perspective and not just a reduction in supply, adding that Mexico maintains close dialogue with China, India and Korea to detect and interrupt fentanyl supply chains.
Within the framework of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra participated in “Addressing the Public Health and Safety Threats of Synthetic Drugs through Global Collaboration.”
Foreign Minister Bárcena detailed the steps that the Government of Mexico is taking to address and confront the threats posed by synthetic drugs such as fentanyl, methamphetamines and other emerging substances.
During her report, Bárcena Ibarra highlighted that from 2018 to March 2023, fentanyl seizures in Mexico have increased by 1,049 percent compared to the figures recorded from 2014 to 2018.
“The actions implemented between 2020 and 2023 by our country represents 25 percent of fentanyl seizures globally,” she said.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs celebrated that the Global Coalition to Address the Threats of Synthetic Drugs, made up of more than 80 countries, is coordinating efforts and strengthening cooperation to promote a collaborative agenda that combats organized crime.
“Not only do we have to confront the trafficking of synthetic drugs, we must also address the situation from a preventive approach through public health. It is also important that we approach the private sector to supervise and regulate supply chains,” Bárcena added.
In that sense, she highlighted the two pilot programs that Mexico established to detect new precursors and their distribution as well as to track all imported and exported substances so that they are not used for drug manufacturing.
Likewise, she highlighted the recent incorporation of Mexico to the Global Container Control Program, an initiative that strengthens national processes to prevent and avoid the exploitation of maritime containers for illicit activities in the different sea ports of Mexico.
He specified that it is necessary to recognize and address arms trafficking since the relationship between drug trafficking and the illegal flow of weapons increases the potential for violence of organized crime and causes their illicit businesses to prosper.
Foreign Minister Bárcena concluded her participation by endorsing President López Obrador’s commitment to collaborate bilaterally, trilaterally and globally to combat synthetic drug trafficking, interrupt arms trafficking and promote public health services that reduce the harm and demand of drugs. in our communities.
Earlier in September, a semi driver in Cinco, Sinaloa was found transporting more than 2.6 million fentanyl pills. His vehicle was inspected after being marked positive for illegal substances by a narcotics dog.
During inspection, authorities found the pills “secured inside metal rails of the lower structure of a Federal Public Service tractor-trailer in which the driver, Alfonso “B”, was arrested.”
