Mexico-US surveillance drones now operate legally under bilateral agreements to curb rampant fentanyl production, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Wednesday. The disclosure follows mounting pressure from Washington as overdose deaths strain diplomatic relations.
White House officials accelerated counter-narcotics efforts after postponing controversial 25% tariffs on Mexican imports earlier this month. President Trump’s dual-threat strategy combines economic leverage with military escalation:
- 10,000 Mexican National Guard troops deployed to northern border zones
- Pending terrorist designations for powerful drug cartels
- Expanded CIA aerial surveillance programs
While Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla initially denied foreign aircraft intrusions last week, Sheinbaum clarified:
These flights occur exclusively through formal coordination. Every operation requires Mexico’s explicit request for intelligence sharing.
The New York Times revealed CIA-operated drones now pinpoint synthetic drug labs across Sinaloa and Sonora – regions responsible for 80% of US-bound fentanyl. Recent Pentagon reports confirm upgraded border surveillance systems detect chemical shipments with 94% accuracy.
Critics argue the fentanyl crisis collaboration risks compromising Mexican sovereignty. Human rights advocates warn military-focused strategies overlook addiction treatment needs as US overdose fatalities surpass 100,000 annually. Cross-border tensions could reignite if Trump reactivates tariffs before 2024 elections.
