President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum questioned the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to classify fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction," arguing that the measure does not address the root causes of drug use and will not help resolve the associated public health crisis. During her morning conference at the National Palace, Sheinbaum stated that her government will first analyze the scope and legal implications of the reclassification announced by the U.S. administration the day before. "Our vision for addressing drug use is different. Of course, we must address crimes, and for that there are prosecutors and judges, but we must also address the causes of consumption," affirmed the president.
Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico's strategy against drugs is based on a comprehensive approach that prioritizes mental health, strengthening family values, education, and rebuilding the social fabric. "The issue of consumption cannot be addressed without a policy focused on addressing the causes and helping young people," she stressed.
The president also warned that the classification of fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction could have broader legal and health implications, particularly regarding its medical use. "Fentanyl also has a legal use; it is used as an anesthetic."
"So, what are the legal implications for both legal and illegal use when it is determined to be a weapon of mass destruction?" Sheinbaum posed.
Trump's Decision On Monday, Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl and its main chemical precursors as weapons of mass destruction. In his announcement, the U.S. president stated that illicit fentanyl is more akin to a chemical weapon than a narcotic due to its high lethality. "We are going to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. No bomb can do anything comparable, 200,000 to 300,000 people die every year," Trump said.
