U.S. Gives Mexico $200 Million to Fight Drug Trafficking

U.S. Gives Mexico $200 Million to Fight Drug Trafficking
December 8, 2008

News Summary

The U.S. government gave $200 million to Mexico this week to enhance the country's antidrug law-enforcement agencies, develop addiction-treatment programs, and otherwise support the nation's bloody battle against drug cartels, the New York Times reported Dec. 3.

The funds are part of the Merida Initiative, a three-year $1.4-billion plan approved by Congress in June that includes $400 million in aid for Mexico and $65 million for Central America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Mexico may receive an additional $450 million in 2009; the Bush administration called for $550 million to be released by the end of next year.

Some of the money will be used to purchase X-ray equipment to scan containers, cargo and trucks; forensic equipment; polygraph machines; and a new registry to help track police officers who are dismissed based on corruption charges.

"Sometimes the narcotraffickers are better coordinated and integrated in their transnational activities than those that are confronting them," said Antonio Garza, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Robert Count on 09 Dec 08 09:14 AM EST

I feel this money could be better spent. Why don't they give it to States to help with treatment and prevention programs. This money will end up in the pockets of politicians in Mexico.

Posted by Cheryl from MA on 09 Dec 08 09:15 AM EST

I cannot believe that out government sent $200 million to Mexico when we have addicts living on the streets because facilities are being closed due to budget cuts. Am I reading this right?

Posted by Pete on 09 Dec 08 09:27 AM EST

Robert is right. Mexico is a huge oil producer, a major producer of agricultural products, and has a vibrant tourism industry. It SHOULD be one of the richest countries in this hemisphere. Why are so many of its citizens desparately poor and why are violent drug cartels allowed to run rampant? My guess is that it's corrupt politicians at every level of government.

Posted by David Deichler on 09 Dec 08 10:20 AM EST

I am an addiction counselor in the U.S., wacthing programs close here at home while substance abuse rates continue to climb. Twenty-one employees in my agency alone were laid off this month. this action by our government is appalling!

Posted by t. Gleaton on 09 Dec 08 10:23 AM EST

It makes no sense to give Mexico 1.4 billion dollars to decrease supply of illicit drugs and at the same time decrease to 300 million appropriation for teachers/schools to teach students about the dangers of using illicit drugs. As long as the demand (use) of illicit drugs in the U.S. continues no amount of dollars will stop the supply.

Posted by Naomi Fahrenkrug on 09 Dec 08 10:42 AM EST

I live in a border community and I understand why the US is giving money to Mexico to help them deal with the violent cartels who are presently terrorizing the citizens of Mexico. The violence has created a huge impact on the border economy as people are afraid to cross over into Mexico. The goverment needs help to combat this violence as the cartels seem to have more resources than the government. Our fear is that the extreem violence will spill into the border US cities. Some US citizens have been killed in Mexico and others have fled to local US hospitals with gunshot wounds to get treatment. A real DRUG WAR is going on along the Mexico border!

Posted by John French on 09 Dec 08 02:05 PM EST

I am reminded of the elephant in the living room, and the family that cleans his mess every day without asking why he is there.

Posted by Jerry Cleaves on 09 Dec 08 11:26 PM EST

I am a Central American citizen and a Substance Abuse Counselor. The bottom line and the always forgotten, is the addict himself. Too much emphasis on stopping the cartels but none for the population seeking recovery and educational programs. www.fundacionantidrogasguatemalteca.org

Posted by Flowergirl on 10 Dec 08 01:26 PM EST

i think it's about time that people start taking the drug wars and traffiking in Mexico seriously. i think we sometimes forget about out little country of mexico. and while we are forgetting or acting oblivious, there are murders and shootouts related to the drug ring going on. Bottom line, mexico needs our help. maybe annexing Mexico isn't such a bad idea...

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