Janice R. Andrews
U.S. anti-narcotics funding cuts ordered by former President Trump have suspended a critical United Nations program that helps Mexico intercept fentanyl precursor chemicals at key ports. The Container Control Programme, which received $800,000 in U.S. funding last year, was set to expand beyond its current operations at Manzanillo port to include Lázaro Cárdenas and Veracruz.
The program supports Mexico’s Navy in screening cargo shipments, particularly focusing on Chinese chemical precursors that Mexican cartels use to manufacture synthetic opioids bound for American and European markets. Officials credit the program with seizing nearly 115 tons of methamphetamine precursors this year alone.
Unlike other security initiatives that received waivers from the January 20th funding freeze, this UN-led effort in Mexico remains suspended. The timing is particularly concerning as the program was about to expand its operations and deliver additional drug-testing equipment and cargo scanners.
The funding halt occurs alongside Trump’s designation of major Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and amid growing tensions over border security. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded by proposing constitutional reforms aimed at protecting national sovereignty.
Security experts warn that reduced anti-narcotics cooperation could undermine efforts to combat drug trafficking and address the opioid epidemic that has claimed over 450,000 American lives in the past decade.
