Concerns Raised in U.S. By Mexico's Plan to Decriminalize Possession of Small Amounts of Drugs

Concerns have been raised in the U.S. after the Mexican government said yesterday (May 2nd) that President Vicente Fox will sign legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opium, LSD, hallucinogenic mushrooms, amphetamines, ecstasy and peyote. The legislation, which has been approved by both houses of Mexico's Congress, is intended to free up resources to fight against drug gangs who are waging a violent turf war on the border with the U.S.

Washington, which counts on our southern neighbor's support in battling gangs that move large amounts of drugs to the U.S. through Mexico, was surprised by the legislation. Local authorities on both sides of the border were angered, with Mexican police saying it will make already crime-ridden border cities even rowdier and unruly. Concerns about drug tourists heading to Mexico from the U.S. were also raised, especially as young people already cross the border to drink in borders towns like Tijuana.