Trends in production, trafficking, and consumption of methamphetamine and cocaine in Mexico

Abstract

Over the past decade, Mexico has experienced a significant increase in trafficking of cocaine and trafficking and production of methamphetamine. An estimated 70% of United States cocaine originating in South America passes through the Central America-Mexico corridor. Mexico-based groups are now believed to control 70%-90% of methamphetamine production and distribution in the United States. Increased availability of these drugs at reduced prices has led to a parallel rise in local drug consumption. Methamphetamine abuse is now the primary reason for seeking drug abuse treatment in a number of cities, primarily in northwestern Mexico. Although cocaine and methamphetamine use have been linked with the sex trade and high-risk behaviors, such as shooting gallery attendance and unprotected sex in other settings, comparatively little is known about the risk behaviors associated with use of these drugs in Mexico, especially for methamphetamines. We review historical aspects and current trends in cocaine and methamphetamine production, trafficking, and consumption in Mexico, with special emphasis on the border cities of Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana. Additionally, we discuss the potential public health consequences of cocaine use and the recent increase in methamphetamine use, especially in regards to the spread of bloodborne and other infections, in an effort to inform appropriate public health interventions.

Figure 1. Map of drug user treatment admissions in Mexican states bordering the U.S

Pie charts above each of the six Mexican states bordering the U.S. show the percent of drug user treatment admissions by primary drug used. Data was compiled based on the Mexican Addiction Epidemiologic Surveillance System or SISVEA (Maxwell et al., 2005). The “Other” category includes marijuana, inhalants, alcohol, tobacco, and a variety of veterinary products.