Illicit Fentanyl and Mexico's Role (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Dec. 19, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF10400 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Clare Ribando Seelke, Liana W. Rosen |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
As a primary source of, and transit country for, illicit drugs
destined for the United States, Mexico is a key collaborator
in U.S. drug control policy. Historically, reducing the
supply of Mexico-produced heroin and methamphetamine
and the northbound flow of South American cocaine were
the primary goals of U.S. counternarcotics policy toward
Mexico. Around 2019, Mexico reportedly replaced the
People’s Republic of China (PRC, or China) as the primary
source of U.S.-bound illicit fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and
fentanyl analogues. The focus of Mexico-related U.S.
counternarcotics policy has since expanded to address
synthetic opioid production and trafficking and the
diversion of precursor chemicals. U.S. counternarcotics
policy continues to emphasize law enforcement cooperation
to target key organized crime figures in Mexico involved in
illicit drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money
laundering.
The Biden Administration has sought to address fentanyl
and fentanyl-related financial flows with unilateral actions,
through bilateral efforts with Mexico, and in trilateral (with
Mexico and Canada) and multilateral fora. President-elect
Trump vowed to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican goods
until U.S.-bound fentanyl flows decline. Congress may
monitor U.S., Mexican, and bilateral efforts and shape their
implementation through legislation, including
appropriations measures.
