Cross-Border Crime Operation Grinding To A Halt

Well, folks, it seems like Uncle Sam is finally getting serious about tackling the drug cartels south of the border. But before you break out the champagne, let’s take a closer look at this so-called joint effort between the U.S. and Mexico. It’s high time we addressed the elephant in the room: the devastating impact of narcotrafficking on both our societies. With over 90,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. last year alone, this isn’t just a problem; it’s a full-blown crisis. So, buckle up, patriots, as we dive into the nitty-gritty of this international game of cat and mouse.

The Unraveling of Cooperation

The once-promising cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies has hit a major roadblock. Despite the U.S. government’s willingness to share intelligence, our Mexican counterparts are dragging their feet, apparently more concerned about political repercussions than actually solving the problem.

“Matthew Donahue, DEA’s deputy chief of operations, stated that the U.S. is willing to share intelligence, but Mexican counterparts are hesitant due to fears of repercussions from their government.” National Public Radio

This breakdown in cooperation couldn’t come at a worse time. Mexican cartels are churning out fentanyl and methamphetamines like there’s no tomorrow, flooding our streets with deadly substances. It’s a national security crisis, plain and simple, with drug gangs operating with impunity just south of our border.

The Cienfuegos Affair

The arrest of former Mexican Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda in October 2020 marked a turning point in U.S.-Mexico relations. Accused of working for a major cartel, Cienfuegos was later released under pressure from Mexico, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of U.S. law enforcement officials.

In response, Mexican lawmakers have enacted measures that effectively handcuff U.S. drug operations, requiring the sharing of intelligence with other agencies and bringing joint investigations to a screeching halt. It’s like trying to fight a wildfire with both hands tied behind your back.

Targeting the Big Fish

Despite these setbacks, the U.S. isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. In a coordinated effort, multiple government agencies are taking aim at one of Mexico’s most dangerous drug cartels: the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).

“The U.S. Departments of Justice, Treasury, and State announced measures to dismantle the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).” DOJ Office of Public Affairs

These measures include unsealing 15 indictments, offering State Department rewards, and implementing Treasury’s OFAC designations. The CJNG, with its tentacles spread across 23 of Mexico’s 31 states and beyond, is finally feeling the heat.

Recent Victories and Ongoing Challenges

Despite the rocky diplomatic terrain, there have been some recent successes. A joint operation in Nogales, Sonora, resulted in significant arrests and seizures, demonstrating that cooperation is still possible when both sides are committed.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of: 120,000 fentanyl pills, 15 pounds of methamphetamine, 17 pounds of heroin, 15 pounds of cocaine.” DOJ Office of Public Affairs

However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. With upcoming midterm elections in Mexico and President López Obrador’s skepticism about traditional drug war tactics, restoring trust and effective cooperation will be an uphill battle.

As we wrap up this sobering look at the state of U.S.-Mexico drug enforcement efforts, one thing is clear: the war on drugs is far from over. It’s time for both nations to put aside their differences and focus on the real enemy—the cartels that are poisoning our communities and tearing apart the fabric of society. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s hope our leaders on both sides of the border wake up before it’s too late.