3. How to Defeat Mexico’s Drug Cartels (feat. Bill Barr)
Aug 30, 2023
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Former US Attorney General Bill Barr discusses the drug crisis in the United States and the role of Mexico's drug cartels. He highlights the need for action to address the high number of deaths and economic costs associated with drug overdose and addiction. Barr explores strategies to combat drug cartels, including targeting production sourcing, border security, and law enforcement operations. He also draws lessons from the United States' partnership with Colombia in combating cartels and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation.
Mexico acts as the hub and source country for drug trafficking activities, making it a crucial focus to suppress and reduce drug supply.
Addressing the opioid crisis requires targeting the distribution and supply chains of drugs, particularly those coming from Mexico, to effectively combat the severe impact on public health and the economy.
Deep dives
The Three Theaters of Supply Side Attack
AG Barr emphasizes the need to tackle the drug problem by targeting both the demand and supply sides. He explains that there are three theaters in the supply side attack: domestic distribution, transit of drugs to the US, and the source country. Mexico acts as the hub and source country for drug trafficking activities, making it a crucial focus. Barr stresses the importance of suppressing these operations, strengthening border enforcement, and interdiction efforts to reduce drug supply.
The Devastation of the Opioid Crisis
Barr highlights the severe impact of the opioid crisis in the United States. He mentions that fentanyl alone has caused nearly 100,000 deaths, with drug overdoses totaling over 110,000 to 120,000 deaths, comparable to the fatalities in a major world war. The economic costs are estimated to exceed a trillion dollars. Barr emphasizes the need to address this crisis by targeting the distribution and supply chains of drugs, particularly those coming from Mexico.
Role of Mexico as the Head of the Snake
Barr explains that Mexico acts as the head of the snake in drug trafficking activities. Mexican cartels have become a one-stop shop for all types of drugs, including cocaine, which is predominantly grown in Colombia and Peru but processed and trafficked by the cartels. Synthetic drugs, particularly opioids like fentanyl, are a major concern, with precursor chemicals primarily sourced from China and India. Barr indicates that nearly 90% of fentanyl seizures occur at the border, highlighting the importance of border enforcement and interdiction efforts.
The Need for United Front and Cooperation
Barr emphasizes the significance of collaboration between the United States and Mexico to effectively combat drug cartels. He acknowledges the challenges posed by corruption and Mexico's limited capacity to address the cartels. Barr advocates for a united front, working with the Mexican government, particularly a future administration that is willing to collaborate and rid Mexico of these criminal organizations. He suggests utilizing intelligence assets, law enforcement, and military operations, in conjunction with financial disruption and coordination to destroy infrastructure, apprehend key individuals, and ultimately, dismantle the cartels.
Former US Attorney General and Hudson Institute Distinguished Fellow Bill Barr joins Arsenal of Democracy to discuss the drug crisis in the United States, the role of Mexico’s drug cartels, and what the US can do about it. Read AG Barr’s op-ed, “The US Must Defeat Mexico’s Drug Cartels” here.
William P. Barr is a distinguished fellow at Hudson Institute. He served as US attorney general from 1991 to 1993 and from 2018 to 2020.
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