Trump Warns of Drug Cartel Control in Mexico, Vows to Intensify Smuggling Crackdown

Washington, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : President Donald Trump recently asserted that drug cartels exert significant influence over Mexico. His administration is ramping up efforts against networks involved in drug trafficking. However, he acknowledged that the Mexican government may not be pleased with this assessment.

During a ceremony at the White House’s Rose Garden honoring first responders, Trump stated that the U.S. has made considerable progress in reducing drug smuggling via maritime routes. He emphasized that the focus is now shifting to criminal networks operating along the southern border.

“We are working with Mexico. Unfortunately, the cartels run Mexico,” Trump remarked, adding that he has conveyed this message to the Mexican president, who he described as a “very nice woman.”

Trump explained that early efforts targeted drugs arriving by sea due to the challenges of monitoring maritime trafficking. He claimed that there has been a 97 percent reduction in the volume of drugs entering the U.S. via these routes, though he did not provide a specific timeframe or data to support this claim.

“We wanted to address the sea and water routes first because it is more difficult to take action there,” he noted.

He also mentioned the use of missiles against boats suspected of drug trafficking, suggesting that such actions have significantly deterred traffickers from using maritime routes. “These missiles directly target those boats and destroy them,” he stated, acknowledging the unfortunate consequences for those involved but arguing that the drugs brought in via these boats claim many lives and devastate families in the U.S.

The president indicated that his administration is preparing to intensify actions against land-based smuggling, particularly routes associated with Mexican cartels. “We have knowledge of all routes. We know where the cartel members are and where they live. We are taking strong action against them, although it will be more challenging moving forward,” he said.

Trump claimed that cartel affiliates have been given time to surrender, although he did not provide further details on this initiative. He also noted a 67 percent decrease in the amount of fentanyl entering the U.S. from the southern border.

He praised the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officials, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing border security and combating trafficking organizations. Trump concluded by asserting that the U.S. southern border is now in the safest position in its history, with a significant drop in illegal entry incidents.