Mexico's Sheinbaum urges DEA to focus on US drug market after cartel claims
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to focus on tackling drug trafficking within the United States after DEA Administrator Terry Cole alleged a "deadly connection" between Mexican cartels and the Mexican government.
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum rejected the accusation, arguing that the DEA should prioritise addressing drug production, trafficking and money laundering in its own country.
"It seems to me that the DEA has a lot of work in the United States. Normally the DEA devotes most of its work outside the United States, but within the United States it has a lot of work and should be dedicated to work mainly within its own country," she said.
Sheinbaum cited the television series Breaking Bad, arguing that it reflects a real problem in the United States, which she described as the world's largest drug market.
"The largest drug market in the world is in the United States. Who sells it? How do they sell it, how do they distribute it, how do they launder the money? That is something the DEA should be investigating," she said.
She also referenced former senior DEA official Nicholas Palmeri, who was removed over improper contacts with lawyers representing drug traffickers, saying the agency should focus on issues within its own organisation rather than making political statements.
Despite rejecting the allegations, Sheinbaum said Mexico remained committed to cooperating with the DEA in combating cross-border drug trafficking.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
