Presidencia de la República

Mexico City, 13 January 2012.- President Calderón attended the National Addictions Council meeting.

During his speech, the president declared that the increase in drug consumption constitutes a public health problem that affects Mexico, with its developing economy, as a result of the increase in income per capita. Moreover, the proportion of young people in relation to the rest of the population creates a large potential market for those engaged in commercializing drugs.

He went on to explain the development of organized crime in Mexico. First of all, he pointed out that drug providers, previously involved in commercializing drugs on the foreign market, began to engage in retail drug selling. In 2002, drugs were consumed by 0.4% of the population whereas by 2008, this figure had risen to 1.4%. As a result of this growth, the territorial expansion of the business incorporated bars, stores and underground businesses and eventually the authorities themselves were corrupted. The territorial dispute between suppliers became increasingly violent. Once they had taken over cities, criminals were able to extend their activities to robbery, abduction and extortion at practically no cost.

The president explained that this required implementing a comprehensive security strategy with three main components: combating criminals; strengthening law enforcement institutions and reconstructing the social fabric. The president explained that only a more cohesive social fabric would prevent crime from permeating society, which is why the third component is the most important of all three. He explained that the positive results of social programs lead to a more egalitarian society, with more educational, work and health opportunities that will encourage full development for more persons.

The president explained that during his administration, a budget of over 6.5 billion pesos has been assigned to preventing and attending addictions, 150% more than during the previous administration. These funds were used to build an enormous network and strategy of prevention, primary care and addiction treatment. In regard to primary care, the president declared that the New Life Centers provide care that prevents relapses. Moreover, these centers are supervised in order to guarantee the quality of their services. In regard to treatment, he declared that the Popular Insurance Scheme deals with certain stages of addictions.

Lastly, he urged families to make an effort to prevent their children from falling prey to addictions by instilling values and establishing close relationships with them.