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Recent reports indicate that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has initiated surveillance operations utilizing drones over Mexico, focused primarily on gathering intelligence related to drug cartels and fentanyl production facilities. This activity is conducted with the knowledge and cooperation of the Mexican government, as stated by a senior U.S. official.
The Biden administration has approved the deployment of unarmed MQ-9 Reaper drones for these missions, emphasizing their non-lethal usage aimed at identifying locations where fentanyl is manufactured and where cartel operations are underway.
Under the previous administration of President Donald Trump, this surveillance program was continued, highlighting a bipartisan approach towards addressing the escalating challenges posed by drug trafficking in North America.
The intelligence gathered through these drone flights is shared with Mexican authorities, who hold the responsibility to take action against any detected illicit activities associated with drug cartels and laboratories.
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During a demonstration over a training mission at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, an MQ-9 Reaper was observed in operation. The Pentagon is reportedly planning to expand the extent of combat air patrol operations conducted by UAVs by up to 50 percent in response to the growing demand for reconnaissance, surveillance, and potential airstrikes in various global hotspots.
“This is not the model used in Pakistan,” clarified the U.S. official. “Our operations here are in collaboration with the Mexican government.”
Felipe de Jesus Gallo, who leads Mexico’s Criminal Investigation Agency, has commented on the ongoing evolution of drug production in Mexico, indicating that the country has long held a prominent position in methamphetamine production, and is now becoming synonymous with fentanyl manufacturing.
Speaking at a conference in Mexico City focused on synthetic drugs, Gallo underscored the shift in drug production dynamics, noting how Mexican cartels have transitioned to large-scale methamphetamine production while simultaneously exporting the substance to international markets.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection has intercepted substantial quantities of fentanyl, highlighting the ongoing issues with drug smuggling across the border. Experts have documented that the cartels utilize precursor chemicals imported from countries such as China and India to synthesize the potent opioid, which is linked to approximately 70,000 overdose fatalities annually in the United States.
While fentanyl does not have a large abuse rate in Mexico itself, methamphetamine addiction is widespread. Gallo has indicated that the Mexican cartels have industrialized the production of meth, claiming that the scale of operations now extends well beyond traditional rural areas.
“Methamphetamine production has reached an industrial scale; it’s no longer confined to remote mountain areas,” Gallo asserted. “We anticipate the emergence of drug laboratories not just in Sinaloa or Sonora, but potentially in states like Hidalgo, Puebla, and Jalisco as well.”
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In a significant operation in October 2022, Mexican authorities uncovered a large cache of fentanyl and meth, signifying the relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking. The increasing sophistication and profitability of the meth trade has allowed Mexican cartels to extend their reach globally, with exports now reaching as far as Hong Kong and Australia.
Fentanyl production, while massive, is noted for its high potency, resulting in smaller operational volumes. In 2023, Mexican soldiers intercepted over half a million fentanyl pills in Culiacan, marking a notable seizure from what the army classified as the largest synthetic drug laboratory discovered to that point.
According to military sources, the discovery included nearly 630,000 suspected fentanyl pills, accompanied by substantial quantities of powdered fentanyl and methamphetamine, demonstrating the scale of the challenge that authorities face in efforts to curb the narcotics trade.
The complexities surrounding drug production and trafficking in Mexico necessitate ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Mexican governments as they strive to confront this pressing issue.
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