Drug War Violence and Corruption On Mexico-US Border

The drug war’s escalating violence is a topic of discussion between top U.S. and Mexican government officials.  Both sides prohibit products which are causing problems in their respective countries.

The U.S. has an influx of drugs, which are illegal.  Mexico has an influx of guns, which are illegal there.  Some argue that this is evidence that prohibition does not work.  It is undeniable that a black market for illegal products exists.

Can we trust the citizens of Mexico and the U.S. to make decisions for themselves, or do we need the government to “control” the products for us?  I would argue for a government prohibition on drugs, but as evidence of government corruption on both sides increases, it is more difficult for me to justify this position.

For years I have heard stories of corruption in the Mexican Army/Police (the same thing there).  Now Mexican President Felipe Calderon is suggesting that corruption of officials within the US are hampering their efforts to get the violence under control in Mexico.

Every time I hear a story of a drug bust, where a percentage of the money and/or drugs goes missing on its way to the evidence locker, I can’t help but think that Calderon may be right about corruption being a problem within both governments.

This video from the BBC discusses the situation: