In the first half of 2024, Mexican federal forces seized only 286 pounds (130 kilograms) of fentanyl nationwide, marking a significant 94% decrease from the amount seized in 2023. This decline comes at a time when Mexican-made fentanyl continues to flow into the United States, contributing to approximately 70,000 overdose deaths annually.
While efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling have waned, Mexico has seen a surge in the seizure of methamphetamines. In 2023, a record of over 400 tons of meth was seized, more than 12 times the amount seized in 2022. This trend has continued in the first half of 2024, with 168 tons of methamphetamines confiscated.
Analysts suggest that the increase in meth seizures may be linked to internal disputes within the Sinaloa cartel, the largest producer of meth in Mexico. The ongoing conflicts between rival factions within the cartel may have led to a willingness to inform authorities about the location of meth labs and shipments.
On the other hand, the sharp drop in fentanyl seizures poses a more complex challenge. Despite pressure from the United States to curb fentanyl smuggling, Mexican authorities have not been as successful in intercepting the drug. The internal battles within the Sinaloa cartel are believed to have impacted fentanyl shipments, with violence hindering the transportation of drugs to the border.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration has been somewhat ambiguous in acknowledging Mexico's role in combating fentanyl production. While López Obrador has denied that fentanyl is manufactured in Mexico, experts and some government officials have confirmed its production within the country.
The reasons behind the significant shift in drug seizures and the challenges faced in combating fentanyl smuggling remain complex and multifaceted. As Mexico grapples with the rise of methamphetamines and the decline in fentanyl seizures, the implications for both domestic and international drug trafficking are profound.
For more news on Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
