The American concerns about illicit Mexican drugs date from the turn of the century, but initiatives to address the problem at its foreign source did not begin until the late 1960's, when increasing amounts of marijuana and a consistent supply of heroin entered the United States. Mexico came under increasing diplomatic pressure, as shown by Operation Intercept in September 1969. Despite the apparent success of this and subsequent efforts, Mexican drug traffic increased substantially in the 1980's as a result of complacency, corruption, and external demand for drugs. The main problems currently facing policymakers are corruption, the link between drug trafficking and terrorism, and border issues. To address these issues, United States policymakers should act to address the demand for drugs, seek a less confrontational relationship with Mexico regarding drugs, and abandon the tendency to make policy unilaterally.