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Published June 2009
This strategy document from the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy states,
"The original National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy was published in 2007 and focused primarily on what the entities of the U.S. Federal Government could do to prevent the illegal trafficking of drugs across the border with Mexico. In the time since, Mexican President Felipe Calderon has embarked on a courageous campaign to break the power of the drug cartels operating in his country. Through the Merida Initiative, the United States is supporting Mexico’s efforts and helping to strengthen law enforcement and judicial capacities in the region. As the cartels battle the Mexican Government and one another, we have seen significant disruptions in the availability of such drugs as cocaine and methamphetamine in U.S. markets. There has also been a significant increase in violence within Mexico, making the need for a revised National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy all the more important as part of a comprehensive national response.
As a result of the changing situation on the border, the 2009 National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy has expanded its focus beyond stemming the inbound flow of illegal drugs from Mexico. It also recognizes the role that the outbound flow of illegal cash and weapons plays in sustaining the cartels and addresses this threat in two dedicated chapters. The strategy also is the result of an expanded consultation process, including more thorough coordination with Congress, State and local authorities, and the Government of Mexico."
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