International Cooperation · 3.5 Regional Collaboration on Drug Policies

Partially meets the criterion.

Mexico has evidence of bilateral coordination and border operations aimed at reducing illicit trafficking. The 2023 Action Plan for the 21st Century Border Initiative establishes a U.S.-Mexico binational framework for border modernization, information exchange, and strengthened security in the border region. In addition, Operation Northern Border documents operational implementation in northern border states, with reported results on arrests, seizures, and enforcement actions related to drugs, weapons, and organized-crime activities. The U.S.-Mexico Bicentennial Framework complements this evidence as a bilateral framework for security, public health, and safe communities.

However, the available evidence does not confirm an independent evaluation of effectiveness, comprehensive border coverage, sustainability, or long-term impact of Mexican programmes to reduce illicit trafficking at the border. Operation Northern Border proves operational activity, but its scope is limited to the northern border and should not be generalized as full coverage of all Mexican borders or proven trafficking reduction. Therefore, the criterion is partially met: bilateral frameworks and verifiable border operations exist, but independent evidence of sustained effectiveness, comprehensive border coverage, and impact on trafficking reduction remains missing.