The head of Mexico’s Criminal Investigation Agency issued an apology for his recent remarks regarding Mexico's role in fentanyl and meth production. Felipe de Jesus Gallo's comments at a U.S.-Mexico conference sparked controversy as they seemed to contradict President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's previous statements denying fentanyl production in Mexico.
Gallo's office acknowledged that his choice of words, particularly the term 'champion,' was inappropriate. They clarified that his intention was to highlight Mexico's ongoing battle against the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs.
While fentanyl abuse is not widespread in Mexico, methamphetamine addiction is a significant issue. Mexican cartels have expanded their meth production to an industrial scale, with labs now operating in various states across the country.
Recent drug seizures by Mexico's Navy have exposed the magnitude of the drug production operations. In one instance, over 45 tons of methamphetamine were confiscated from a major lab in Sonora, representing a substantial portion of the drugs seized this year.
The production of fentanyl, a highly potent drug, is also a significant concern. Mexican authorities have intercepted large quantities of fentanyl pills and powdered forms of the drug, indicating the scale of illicit manufacturing activities.
The evolving drug trade landscape in Mexico has seen cartels diversifying their operations and expanding their reach to international markets, including destinations as far as Hong Kong and Australia. The sophistication of these operations poses challenges for law enforcement in detecting and combating drug trafficking.
The apology from Gallo comes amidst heightened scrutiny of Mexico's role in drug production and trafficking. The government's efforts to address these issues remain a focal point in the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes.
