Last week, Mexican Ambassador to the U.S., Esteban Moctezuma, visited Oklahoma to discuss pressing issues, including the ongoing battle against fentanyl, a significant concern for Oklahomans. In an exclusive interview with KOCO, Moctezuma emphasized the importance of cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in tackling this cross-border crisis.
Joint Efforts in Combating Fentanyl
Ambassador Moctezuma highlighted the progress made in reducing fentanyl trafficking, noting a 69% decrease in seizures at the Mexican border over the past year. This success, he attributed, to the strong commitment of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the collaborative efforts with the American government. The ambassador underscored the critical role of intelligence sharing in these efforts.
In a significant move this year, President Sheinbaum facilitated the extradition of 92 cartel leaders to the U.S., including figures from the notorious Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels. These extraditions are part of a broader strategy to dismantle international drug networks that threaten both nations.
Addressing the Broader Drug Crisis
Mark Woodward, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, acknowledged fentanyl as a leading cause of drug-related deaths in the state. Moctezuma echoed this concern, stating that the problem extends beyond supply and transportation to include demand and consumption. He also pointed out the issue of American-sourced weapons arming Mexican cartels, with 75% of such weapons originating from the U.S.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During his visit, Moctezuma also met with Governor Kevin Stitt to explore potential business investments in Oklahoma, further strengthening the economic ties between the two countries. The ambassador expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Mexico relations, emphasizing the mutual benefits of continued cooperation in security and trade.
As both nations work together to secure their borders and combat criminal organizations, Moctezuma remains hopeful that the longstanding diplomatic relationship will continue to flourish, benefiting citizens on both sides of the border.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
