Mexico City — Mexico’s Security Cabinet has rejected statements by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terry Cole, who suggested a possible “connection” between the Mexican government and drug cartels.
In a statement, the Security Cabinet said Cole’s claims “lack substance and do not correspond to the results that the Mexican government has publicly and verifiably presented in its fight against criminal organizations.”
The cabinet emphasized that the National Security Strategy is based on a policy of zero impunity, using intelligence, investigation, and coordination among federal and state authorities.
According to the statement, from the start of the current administration through June 30, 2026, authorities have arrested 59,582 people, seized 31,366 firearms, and confiscated 498 tons of drugs — including 2,363 kilograms and 5,546,100 fentanyl pills. Officials also dismantled 2,627 clandestine labs and methamphetamine production sites.
“Among those detained are leaders, operators, and perpetrators of violence from all criminal organizations and structures, without distinction, demonstrating that the Mexican state acts based on investigations and in accordance with the law,” the cabinet said.
The statement noted that investigations have also reached public officials linked to criminal activity. As part of “Operation Swarm” and other actions, more than 80 current and former public servants have been arrested, including seven sitting mayors. “This confirms that in the Government of Mexico there is no protection for anyone who engages in illegal conduct,” the cabinet added.
The Security Cabinet also pointed to a sustained reduction in violence: from September 2024 to June 2026, the daily average of homicides dropped 48%, representing 41 fewer homicides each day nationwide.
“Bilateral cooperation mechanisms have yielded results in the fight against organized crime,” the statement said, noting that violence generators — including priority targets sought by U.S. authorities — have been arrested.
The cabinet reaffirmed Mexico’s willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the United States “under the principles of respect for sovereignty, mutual trust, shared responsibility, and coordination, with the common goal of combating transnational criminal organizations and protecting the security of both nations.”
