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 Editorials | Issues | November 2007 
Congress Should Fund U.S.-Mexico Counter-Drug Plan, Heritage Says
 Associated Content
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 |  | The initiative is important to the United States because drug trafficking and violence associated with the drug trade could damage trade relations between Mexico and the United States.
- Heritage Foundation |  | |
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., has published a new web memo on a U.S.-Mexican agreement designed to fight drug traffickers. The memo, published November 16 and authored by Ray Walser and James Roberts, is available on the Heritage Foundation web site.
In "The U.S. and Mexico: Taking the "Merida Initiative" Against Narco-Terror," Walser and Roberts argue that the recently announced counter-drug initiative, known as the Merida Initiative, will help both the United States and Mexico in their fight against the illegal drug trade that flourishes along the two countries' border.
According to the memo, Mexican President Felipe Calderon has made good on his promise to fight Mexico's lucrative, and dangerous, drug trade. Some of Caleron's actions include the extradition of Mexican drug lords to the United States, the deployment of more than 40,000 Mexican Army soldiers in support of police operations, and the seizure of dozens of tons of cocaine. And the results of these moves have been positive, Heritage says, with reduced drug supplies and increased prices for drugs in the United States. Additionally, the memo notes, Calderon has taken steps to hit drug traffickers where it really hurts, in the wallet, by seizing drug money throughout the country.
Soon the U.S. Congress will take up the issue of providing money for the U.S.-Mexico agreement, with more than $1 billion requested by President Bush over the next three years. Heritage says that there is significant support for the initiative among the members of Congress, particularly from representatives with districts near the U.S.-Mexico border. The name Merida was chosen because it is the capital of Yucatan and a significant passageway for drugs being shipped to the United States.
The Merida Initiative provides for assets like Bell transport helicopters, surveillance aircraft, training, maintenance, ion scanners, night vision goggles, and equipment for use during inspections looking for drugs. The initiative is important to the United States, Heritage says, because drug trafficking and violence associated with the drug trade could damage trade relations between Mexico and the United States. Currently, the memo notes, Mexico is the United States' second largest trading partner and fourth largest supplier of oil. Additionally, Heritage says, both Mexico and the United States will enhance their security by implementing the initiative.
Dr. Ray Walser is Senior Policy Analyst for Latin America and James Roberts is Research Fellow for Economic Freedom and Growth, both at the Heritage Foundation.
Source: Heritage Foundation Web Memo Number 1705 |
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