Mexico security chief meets DEA director to discuss criminal networks and arms trafficking

Omar García Harfuch, head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, met with Terrance Cole, director of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, last week to review security cooperation between the two countries. The officials discussed dismantling narco-terrorist organizations and confronting the corruption that enables them.

They examined intelligence sharing on criminal structures, pending financial investigations, collaboration requests, and the tracking of extradition matters through competent authorities. Both sides also addressed the detention of priority targets for both nations.

“Criminal organizations do not recognize borders. Neither does our shared commitment to bring them to justice.”

The meeting covered measures to stop the illicit flow of weapons into Mexico and to block drug trafficking toward the United States. Harfuch stressed that actions on Mexican territory belong exclusively to Mexican authorities within their respective competences.

Harfuch said the work follows the National Security Strategy and the legislation of both countries. He cited respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, shared responsibility, mutual respect and trust, and cooperation without subordination.

As part of the Security Cabinet, he pledged to continue strengthening inter-institutional coordination and international cooperation to reduce violence, combat impunity, weaken criminal structures, and protect the population.

The meeting had been scheduled since late October. Harfuch previously met Cole in Washington D.C. on March 16 at DEA headquarters to discuss bilateral cooperation against drug trafficking, illegal weapons entry into Mexico, and violence reduction.