Pubdate: Sat, 09 Nov 2002
Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX)
Copyright: 2002 San Antonio Express-News
Contact:  http://www.mysanantonio.com/expressnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/384

MEXICO'S PAINFUL ADMISSION

For years, Mexico has blamed its drug problem on the United States.

 From the president to ordinary people, Mexicans have insisted that their 
illegal drug industry has blossomed because of the huge demand in the 
United States.

They've been right for the most part. If 15 million Americans were not 
hooked on illegal substances, the narcotics market of more than $30 billion 
a year would not exist.

But President Vicente Fox noted this week that a growing number of Mexicans 
also are becoming addicted to illegal drugs.

Estimates vary, but it is believed that at least 2 million Mexicans, mainly 
teenagers and young adults, smoke marijuana regularly and another million 
snort cocaine.

To reverse such trends, Fox plans to enlist the help of state and local law 
enforcement agencies. The narcotics war always has been the responsibility 
of the federal police. In recent years, the armed forces also have been 
involved, mainly in burning the large poppy fields in the countryside.

Mexico deserves American moral support in its uphill battle. If the drug 
cartels have been successful in buying protection from the federal police 
and even from some military leaders, corrupting state and local police - 
who are usually underpaid - could be much easier.

Fox should be commended for addressing the issue. To ignore it would have 
more serious consequences for the nation's 100 million people - and even 
for the United States.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth