Mexican, US authorities on alert over fentanyl distribution spike in Tijuana

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The sharp rise in fentanyl distribution in this northwestern city, where it is estimated to have skyrocketed this year by 333 percent in the tourist zone, has put authorities on alert on both sides of the United States-Mexico border.
That alarming figure is based on the confiscation of 269 kilograms (590 pounds) of that potent opioid in the year’s first eight months by the northwestern state of Baja California’s Public Security Secretariat.

Most of those seizures occurred in the Zona Norte neighborhood, which is located just one kilometer from the San Ysidro Port of Entry - the largest land border crossing between Tijuana and San Diego, California - and thus a place where tourist and migrant flows are concentrated.

The officials said that increase in fentanyl distribution and consumption has occurred because the per-dose distribution cost is much lower - just 50 pesos ($2.50) - compared to other substances. Also, they added that the effect that synthetic drug produces in people is “double that of methamphetamine and lasts longer.”

Criminal gangs fight for control of Zona Norte due to its location in the center of the tourist area, its proximity to the San Ysidro and El Chaparral border crossings and its status as a “tolerance zone” for prostitution, Salas Sanchez officer said.

“Drug sales are very high here ... and disputes among (criminal gangs are frequent),” the officials said. “Typically, a person is killed every day in that zone, so we’re constantly monitoring.”

A recent report by the federal Security Secretariat indicated fentanyl seizures have risen 814 percent during the current administration of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador compared to that of his predecessor.

Personal opinion

We all know that drugs issues in the border with the US is not new, however, it is alarming that even though this is an old problem either of the authorities of both countries can´t decrese the levels of this activity.

The repercutions are multiple, but for Mexico´s side are as always the insecurity not only for the locals but also for the tourists, that in this situtation would probably desist of visiting this part of the country, altering the flow of goods, people and services; and all in all the whole economy. 


Source
Ayala, M. (september 06, 2022). Mexican, US authorities on alert over fentanyl distribution spike in Tijuana. The San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved from: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/latino-life/story/2022-09-06/mexican-us-authorities-on-alert-over-fentanyl-distribution-spike-in-tijuana 


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