Duval Times

U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Ranking Member Marco Rubio (R-FL) engaged in a discussion with State Department official Chris Landberg regarding Mexico's involvement in combating the influx of synthetic drugs across the U.S. border.

Rubio highlighted the unique challenge posed by synthetic drugs compared to agriculturally sourced substances like coca. He emphasized the importance of disrupting the supply chain of precursor chemicals essential for manufacturing synthetic drugs and the cooperation required from Mexico in this endeavor.

Landberg confirmed Rubio's assessment, noting that the majority of precursors originate from China and are trafficked into Mexico through various means, ultimately reaching the United States through major cartels. Rubio stressed the necessity of Mexican cooperation in preventing the entry of these precursors into the country.

The discussion also touched upon the need for strategies to tackle the influx of precursors and equipment used in drug production. Landberg highlighted the collaborative efforts between various U.S. government agencies, including the State Department, DHS, and DOJ, to address this issue.

Rubio underscored the importance of Mexico's willingness to address the problem of synthetic drug trafficking, pointing out the growing consumption issue within Mexico and the region. Landberg acknowledged the significance of strong cooperation in combating drug trafficking and the progress made in interdiction efforts.

The dialogue between Rubio and Landberg shed light on the complexities of the drug trade, emphasizing the need for coordinated international efforts to combat the flow of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals.