US drug czar praises Mexico cooperation against cartels and megatunnels

The United States' top drug enforcement official has lauded the deepening cooperation with Mexico in tackling sophisticated drug trafficking operations, including extensive underground tunnel networks. Sara Carter, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), specifically pointed to the collaboration with the administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.

Speaking on the "American Thought Leader" program, Carter detailed how intelligence sharing has significantly advanced efforts against major cartels. She highlighted the recent success against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," stating that U.S. intelligence enabled Mexican forces, including the National Guard and special units, to track and neutralize him. "We saw what happened in Mexico when we shared intelligence with the Mexican government. We saw it act immediately against 'El Mencho' and he was taken down," Carter said, indicating such actions would continue.

Carter also emphasized the operational freedom granted by the Trump administration, noting that it does not hinder law enforcement or military actions. "We have a president (Donald Trump) who does not tie the hands of law enforcement or the military; he allows them to do their job," she stated, while acknowledging that bureaucratic processes and existing laws still need to be followed.

The ONDCP director further indicated that the U.S. is also targeting individuals within the Sinaloa government who allegedly protect the Sinaloa cartel and "Los Chapitos." Carter issued a stern warning, echoing Trump's stance: "We are going after you; if you don't cooperate with us, we will attack you and you will regret it."