Help with peer responding to classmates discussion post

As a law enforcement officer working on the border, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of illegal drug trafficking from Mexico. Alongside several agencies, including my own, we are committed to combating these challenges through coordinated and ongoing efforts.Drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) in Mexico, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), are powerful criminal groups that send illegal drugs to the U.S. They use many different and creative methods to sneak drugs across the border without being caught.

The most common way is by hiding drugs in secret compartments inside cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles that cross the border legally. These shipments often include drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine (Ferragut, 2012). Although I have not witnessed it myself, I have learned that some cartels dig tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border, especially in cities like Tijuana and Nogales. These tunnels often have lights and ventilation systems and allow smugglers to move large amounts of drugs without being detected (Global Americans, 2017-2018). Drugs are also moved by sea, using fast boats, fishing vessels, or even small submarines. These ships often avoid areas where U.S. law enforcement watches closely (Ferragut, 2012). Small planes and drones are sometimes used to drop drug packages in remote desert areas in the southwestern U.S. (Global Americans, 2017-2018). Cartels use postal services and commercial delivery companies to send small but powerful drugs like fentanyl. These packages are often hidden inside everyday items to avoid being found (Global Americans, 2017-2018). More recently, drugs are being sold and paid for online through secret websites (on the darknet) and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This allows traffickers to move money and drugs without going through traditional banking or shipping systems (Ferragut, 2012). Lastly, the most common method that I have seen is when people are paid to carry drugs across the border by hiding them in their clothes, luggage, or even swallowing them. This is usually done with smaller drug amounts like heroin or cocaine (Ferragut, 2012).

The U.S. uses many tools and programs to try to stop illegal drugs from entering the country. These efforts include border inspections, partnerships with other countries, and new laws to reduce drug use at home. I have seenBorder Patrol agents use technology like X-rays, drug-sniffing dogs, and surveillance drones to check vehicles and cargo coming into the U.S. They also use data to identify suspicious activity (Global Americans, 2017-2018).The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. military agencies share information and use aerial and radar systems to track drug shipments in the air or at sea (Ferragut, 2012).The U.S. Coast Guard and DEA try to catch drug shipments traveling by boat or plane before they reach the U.S. (Ferragut, 2012).The U.S. works with Mexican officials through programs like the Mrida Initiative. These programs provide training, technology, and support to help Mexico fight the cartels (Global Americans, 2017-2018).U.S. agencies like FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) try to track and stop the money made from drug sales. They monitor bank accounts and businesses that may be helping cartels hide illegal money (Ferragut, 2012; Global Americans, 2017-2018). What is great, is that the U.S. can freeze bank accounts, cancel visas, and ban travel for people or organizations involved in drug trafficking (Global Americans, 2017-2018).Something I learned was that the U.S. has focused on reducing demand by helping people with drug addictions. This includes treatment programs, education campaigns, and wider access to drugs like naloxone that can reverse overdoses (Global Americans, 2017-2018).The U.S. is starting to rethink how it measures success in the fight against drugs. Experts recommend using more data and independent reviews to update policies that aren't working well anymore (Global Americans, 2017-2018).

In the end, we need to understand that even with strong border security and other efforts, large amounts of illegal drugs still come into the U.S. from Mexico. This is because there is still a strong demand for drugs in the U.S., and the cartels are constantly changing how they operate. Experts say the U.S. should focus more on understanding how drug money flows, working with other countries, and treating drug addiction as a health issuenot just a crime problem (Ferragut, 2012; Global Americans, 2017-2018).