United States/Mexico Bi-National Drug Strategy
Strategy Component
Alliance Point 11: Control essential and precursor chemicals
to prevent chemical diversion and illicit use, and improve information
exchange on this subject.
The increase in the diversion of chemical substances frequently used
to manufacture illicit drugs is an alarming phenomenon for the governments
of both countries. Accordingly, the appropriate authorities have decided
to strengthen existing information exchange and investigative mechanisms
relating to the diversion of essential and precursor chemicals.
In accordance with each country’s laws, both countries will explore
more appropriate mechanisms to pursue investigations into criminal organizations
operating in both territories which are linked to the diversion of precursor
and essential chemicals and production of stimulants and amphetamines.
Objectives
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Establish and maintain an effective system of integrated laws, regulations,
administrative practices, and oversight in each country to prevent, investigate,
and punish the diversion of illicit chemicals, the illicit use thereof,
and trafficking therein.
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Enhance bilateral cooperation relating to the exchange of information and
investigations involving chemical diversion cases.
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Strengthen the programs of training for investigative techniques and the
safe handling of chemicals.
Actions
1. The Governments of Mexico and the United States will enhance
the training programs in chemical control as part of the comprehensive
training plan now being formulated.
1.1 Both countries will expand the chemical training program
to include investigative techniques and the safe handling of chemicals.
Each country will seek to maximize the scope of the program through training
the trainer programs.
1.1.1 Officials of the Attorney General of Mexico will present
courses to personnel in the field at various locations throughout Mexico.
1.1.2 The United States will continue to present comprehensive
chemical-oriented training, including investigative techniques and safe
handling of chemicals.
2. The Governments of the United States and Mexico will work together
to strengthen mechanisms to expedite information exchange and the development
of coordinated investigations with respect to the diversion of precursor
and essential chemicals, and regarding the organizations that produce and
illegally traffic in such chemicals in both countries.
3. The Governments of Mexico and the United States will improve
chemical detection and handling capabilities by means of a broad assistance
program, including training in state of the art technology and training
in legal aspects, investigative techniques, and safe handling of substances.
4. The Governments of Mexico and the United States will support
the multilateral cooperative efforts of the UN General Assembly Special
Session and the International Narcotics Control Board.
5. The Governments of Mexico and the United States will ensure
that they have in place effective laws, regulations, and administrative
structures and practices to fully implement the penal and regulatory measures
set forth in Articles 3, 12 and 13 of the United Nations Convention against
Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Vienna 1988),
including effective measures with respect to chemicals on Table I&II
of the Annex to the Convention.
6. The Governments of Mexico and the United States will examine
possible high technology material and technical assistance programs to
enhance Mexican chemical detection capabilities.
7. The Governments of Mexico and the United States will examine
the feasibility of providing assistance to improve Mexico's chemical detection
capabilities.
