Inside Story

Mexico’s war on drugs

Despite relentless efforts, the Mexican government has so far failed to eradicate drug cartels.

The war on drugs was launched in 2006 – and the president and his predecessor made it a priority.

Some cartel leaders have been captured or killed but that hasn’t deterred other traffickers.
 
Now, cartels are brazenly challenging the armed forces. A new cartel, the Jalisco New Generation, recently shot down an army helicopter, killing three and injuring others.
 
But does the government really have a strategy to deal with the drug cartels? Or is it simply being outdone?

Presenter: Mike Hanna
 
Guests:
 
Alejandro Hope– Security analyst and former intelligence officer at the Center for Investigation and National Security.
 
Guillermo Trejo– A politically engaged Mexican artist.
 
Laura Carlsen– Director of the Americas programme at the Center for International Policy.