DEA Administrator Meets with Mexican Security Officials to Strengthen Cross-Border Drug Enforcement
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Terry Cole, administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, met with Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, to discuss ongoing cooperation between the two countries in combating drug trafficking and enhancing public safety along the U.S.-Mexico border.
During the meeting, officials highlighted the role of Central America as a transit and storage region for illicit drugs destined for Mexico and the United States. Mexican-based criminal groups are identified as the primary smugglers, transporters, and wholesale distributors of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and Mexico-produced heroin in the United States.
“In Washington, D.C., I attended on behalf of the Security Cabinet to engage in dialogue with DEA Administrator Terrance Cole about the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat drug trafficking, stop the flow of arms into our country, and reduce violence through relevant arrests,” stated García Harfuch on X. “Following the instructions of President Claudia Sheinbaum, we will continue to strengthen international cooperation.”
DEA offices in Mexico and Central America play a key role in addressing these trafficking operations. Their work includes conducting joint investigations with foreign counterparts, providing intelligence and investigative leads to domestic DEA offices and other U.S. law enforcement agencies, and offering training and technical support to local authorities to assist in complex criminal investigations. The agency also supports the development of local drug control laws and regulations and provides material assistance to strengthen host nation enforcement capabilities.
In addition to operations in Mexico and Central America, the DEA maintains a presence in Canada through the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver. In Canada, the agency coordinates international drug and money-laundering investigations with Canadian law enforcement, focusing on illicit narcotics, diversion of legal pharmaceuticals, and the trade of precursor chemicals used in drug production. DEA officials emphasized that all activities in Canada are conducted in compliance with national laws and existing bilateral agreements.
