Mexico-US drug cooperation struggles will endure

Significance

The arrest, prompted by a US extradition request, is a short-term success story for US-Mexico security cooperation but, paradoxically, represents an enduring flaw in long-held bilateral security strategies.

Impacts

• Caro Quintero’s arrest and expected extradition will not stem drug flows to the United States.
• Divergent perspectives on drug policy will continue to undermine much needed US-Mexico security cooperation.
• The fentanyl crisis will increase pressure for a radical revamp of antinarcotic policies both in Mexico and the United States.