“Fentanyl Crisis: Tension Rises Between Mexico City and Washington Over Origins and Solutions”

With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

This is not the first time that the fentanyl crisis has created tension between Mexico City and Washington, but the tone has recently risen between the two parties. In question, the origins of the crisis linked to this drug and the solutions to deal with it.

On the one hand, the Mexican president maintains that fentanyl is absolutely not produced in his country, but that it is in fact imported from Asia.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also said recently that the United States should address the roots of the problem: the loss of family values ​​and ” a lack of hugs and love “. This, he says, is what drives Americans to use drugs.

Statements that angered some elected officials in Washington. Republican Lindsey Graham believes that Mexico’s attitude shows its lack of will to fight the cartels.

« If the Mexicans don’t want to cooperate, we will do what is necessary for our own safety. he said, implying that Washington should send in the military to carry out operations against fentanyl labs, an option ruled out by the Biden administration.

Mexico assures for its part that it continues its operations against the Sinaloa cartel. Two major traffickers have been arrested this year. One of them is none other than the son of El Chapo.

► To read also: Fentanyl trafficking: the United States goes on the offensive against the Sinaloa cartel and China