President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the statements of the director of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Terrance C. Cole, who pointed out that there is an alleged relationship between the Government of Mexico and organized crime groups.

The president described the statements as “political,” assured that they lack evidence and demanded respect for the country. Sheinbaum affirmed that the accusations are unfounded and maintained that the US anti-drug agency should concentrate its efforts on addressing problems related to drug trafficking within the United States. Mexico is respected,” he expressed.

Asks the DEA to investigate the production and distribution of drugs in the US.

The president questioned that the DEA dedicates a good part of its operations outside of United States territory when, she said, it faces important challenges in its own country. She recalled that there are reports about the manufacture of methamphetamines and other synthetic drugs within the United States, in addition to the fact that that country represents the main market for drug consumption. "Who sells the drugs? How do they distribute them? How do they launder the money? That is something that the DEA should be investigating," she said.

Sheinbaum questions alleged cases of corruption within the DEA

The president maintained that there is also a history of alleged acts of corruption within the US agency. As an example, she recalled the case of a former head of the DEA who worked in Mexico and who, she said, was removed from office due to alleged links with lawyers related to drug trafficking leaders. He insisted that the agency must first review its internal workings.

He claims that the statements have a political background

Sheinbaum considered that the DEA director's statements coincided with the presentation of his government's security report, in which a 48% reduction in intentional homicides was reported, which is why he suggested that the statements have a political motivation. "It seems to me more like a political statement than one with substance. What he is saying has no basis," he stated. The president maintained that, if there were a relationship between a government and criminal organizations, crime rates would tend to increase and not to decrease. "If a government is linked to a criminal group, there cannot be a decrease in crimes. It is a contradiction," he said.

Mentions the six-year term of Felipe Calderón

As part of her arguments, the president made reference to the government of former President Felipe Calderón, pointing out that during that six-year term links between authorities and a criminal group were documented. According to Sheinbaum, this situation led to an increase in intentional homicides and other high-impact crimes.

"The best demonstration is Calderón's six-year term. There was a connection with a criminal group, proven. And what happened? Intentional homicides and most crimes increased," he said.

Mexico will maintain cooperation, but with respect: says Sheinbaum

The president reiterated that her administration will continue to collaborate with the United States on security and the fight against organized crime, although she made it clear that this cooperation must be developed under principles of mutual respect and without accusations that, she stated, lack evidence. Finally, she insisted that Mexico maintains its own security strategy and reiterated that the statements of the head of the DEA do not modify the willingness of her government to work in a coordinated manner with the US authorities, always within a framework of respect for national sovereignty.