In Mexico, the efforts to seize fentanyl have decreased significantly, as Mexican federal forces seized only 286 pounds of the drug nationwide between January and June of 2024, which is down 94% from the amount seized in 2023. This decline is concerning as Mexican-made fentanyl continues to enter the United States, contributing to approximately 70,000 overdose deaths annually. On the other hand, Mexico’s focus seems to have shifted towards seizing methamphetamines, with a record amount of over 400 tons of meth seized in 2023 and 168 tons seized in the first half of 2024. While Mexican meth is also a significant issue, with widespread addiction problems within Mexico and abroad, the decrease in fentanyl seizures raises questions, especially given the pressure from the United States to curb smuggling.
The decrease in fentanyl seizures is perplexing as efforts to combat the smuggling of this synthetic opioid intensify. Analysts suggest that internal conflicts within Mexican drug cartels, particularly between the “Mayitos” and “Chapitos” factions of the Sinaloa cartel, might have influenced the increase in meth seizures. This internal strife may have led to informants within the cartels tipping off authorities about meth labs and shipments. However, the reasons behind the decline in fentanyl seizures remain unclear.
The ongoing battles within the Sinaloa cartel, particularly between Mayo Zambada and the Chapitos, are believed to be impacting the trafficking of fentanyl. The violence caused by conflicts between these factions is said to be inhibiting fentanyl shipments, as routes typically used for drug trafficking to the border are contested, raising fears of losing shipments en route. The Mexican government, under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has had a somewhat ambivalent stance on Mexico’s involvement in combating fentanyl production and smuggling, despite the country’s significant role in the issue.
While López Obrador has previously denied that fentanyl is produced in Mexico, experts and some government officials acknowledge the country’s role in fentanyl production and trafficking. The reasons behind the sharp decline in fentanyl seizures, the increased focus on meth seizures, and the impacts of internal cartel conflicts on drug trafficking remain complex and multifaceted.
