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Mexico to Clarify Intent of Anti-Drug Legislation

May 4, 2006 - (Washington, DC)�Amid concern that legislation recently passed in the Mexican Senate will have the unintended or perceived effect of decriminalizing drugs in the nation, the Fox Administration announced yesterday that it will introduce amendments so that "there is no doubt that [in Mexico] the possession and consumption of drugs are and will continue to be crimes."

John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (the U.S. "Drug Czar") said, "The United States and Mexico share not only a border, but an all-too painful history with substance abuse. The officials and citizens of Mexico have long been concerned about drug trafficking into and out of their country, but they realize the danger of the drug trade is not limited to the violence of drug trafficking, but also the devastating consequences of drug use and addiction."

Officials from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Drug Enforcement Administration had discussions with their Mexican counterparts earlier this week to share the United States' perspective. United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, in speaking with Mexican Attorney General Cabeza de Vaca, reiterated U.S. willingness to maintain a strong partnership in the efforts against drug trafficking. Director Walters further said, "We respect the sovereignty of the Mexican people and support them in their desire to avoid the perception that drug use will be tolerated in Mexico and to prevent drug tourism."

The announcement of the Mexican government's efforts to clarify the proposed anti-drug legislation comes on the heels of recent announcements of continued success reducing potential production of heroin and marijuana in the country. In 2005, Mexico eradicated about 21,600 hectares (51,840 acres) of opium poppy and 30,840 hectares (76,175 acres) of marijuana. Eradication of both drug crops surpassed the amount eradicated in 2004. Opium poppy eradication achieved the highest total since at least 1998. Effect of the crop elimination will be to reduce Mexico's estimated pure heroin production capacity to about eight metric tons, down from nine metric tons last year. Marijuana potential production fell slightly from last year to about 10,100 metric tons.

CONTACT:
ONDCP Public Affairs
(202) 395�6618
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/

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