Arrests Should Boost US-Mexico Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking
The recent US arrests of former Mexican ministers of defense and public security on drug trafficking charges are an opportunity to boost the fight against cross-border crime groups.
Those charged are innocent until proven guilty, but such arrests and judicial proceedings against official corruption are blows to the criminal groups receiving protection.
In the case of US-Mexico cooperation, these criminal proceedings should spark the governments to adopt improved oversight mechanisms to vet officials against the criminal groups smuggling massive amounts of drugs, arms and money between the two countries.
About the Author
Earl Anthony Wayne
Former Career Ambassador to Afghanistan, Argentina, and Mexico; Distinguished Diplomat in Residence, School of International Service, American University
Mexico Institute
The Mexico Institute seeks to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options for enhancing the bilateral relationship. A binational Advisory Board, chaired by Luis Téllez and Earl Anthony Wayne, oversees the work of the Mexico Institute. Read more