United States/Mexico Bi-National Drug Strategy
Strategy Component
Alliance Point 16: Enhance and facilitate exchange of information
and evidence to prosecute and convict criminals and deter drug trafficking,
and ensure the security and appropriate use of the information and evidence
provided.
Transnational criminal organizations have the capability of ease in
movement to evade justice. Consequently, the exchange of information regarding
illicit activities carried out by the members of these organizations has
become a fundamental element in the national strategies for drug control.
The governments of the two countries have recognized the need to design
and strengthen efficient mechanisms to exchange information to detect and
pursue the activities of these criminal groups.
Considering the above, based on the provisions of the Bilateral Agreement
on Cooperation to Combat Drug Traffic and Substance Abuse and the Mutual
Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), the two countries will strengthen the exchange
of information between the competent authorities, clearly defining the
liaison channels avoiding multiplicity of points of entry for information,
and evaluating the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms.
Objectives
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Strengthen and streamline the exchange of information and evidence, with
a view to prosecuting and convicting criminals and to curbing drug trafficking.
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Improve mechanisms to exchange information and evidence, in order to prosecute
and convict criminals.
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Identify ways to ensure, under the MLAT, that evidence is obtained and
witness statements are taken expeditiously.
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Ensure the confidentiality and appropriate use of information and evidence,
to the extent permitted by law.
Actions
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The Governments of Mexico and the United States will strengthen mechanisms
for exchange of information, witnesses, and evidence as expeditiously as
possible. Expedite the sharing and exchange of law enforcement information
regarding investigations against drug traffickers, streamlining the established
channels. The countries will increase the use of the Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty in force between the two countries to obtain evidence.
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The Governments of Mexico and the United States will exchange, by applications
filed in accordance with the MLAT, information, witness appearances, and
any other evidence deemed necessary or useful in a proceeding. An effort
will be made to provide the information requested within a reasonable timeframe,
based on the nature of the information sought and other factors.
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The Governments of the Mexico and the United States will establish a mechanism
to review the status of various applications under the MLAT. Both governments
will regularly exchange reports on priority assistance actions.
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Wherever possible, the Governments of Mexico and the United States will
take fullest advantage of the shared information and evidence.
