NCJ Number
173213
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs discusses the drug control efforts of the United States, with emphasis on the efforts involving Mexico.
Abstract
The National Crime Initiatives, the Andean Strategy, and the Heroin Strategy serve as basic blueprints for operations. The international components of the National Drug Control Strategy also figure prominently in the overseas drug control program. The narcotics certification law is now a decade old and serves as a dramatic focus for international drug control. Mexico received full certification following the arrest of the Mexican drug czar on charges of corruption. The United States recognizes the existence of corruption in Mexico's law enforcement institutions, but Mexico's president has demonstrated unprecedented political courage and commitment to addressing the problem. Mexico has taken numerous actions during 1996 and more recently to deal with these issues. Further needed actions include true criminal justice system reform, careful use of expanded assistance from the United States, quick implementation of suspicious and currency transaction reporting. The United States Administration is determined to maintain the integrity of the certification process; this process measures the extent of a government's determination and not its shortcomings. Therefore, based on Mexico's drug control performance, any action in the Congress to change the President's full certification is unjustified. Drug control funding is arguably one of the most cost-efficient accounts of the Federal Government; the support of Congress has been crucial to this funding. Further efforts must maintain flexibility and direct fresh attention to other areas of the world.