Conjecture is rife in the aftermath of Mexico’s decriminalization program. Much of it concerns the reaction of the drug cartels. Will they be undercut by legalization? Will they redouble efforts to expand drug use in Mexico? Will prices decrease? Will Mexico’s new focus on treatment, as opposed to punishment, work? Answers to some of these questions may surface sooner than expected…
Wednesday night’s slaying of 18 at a drug rehab center was a drug gang’s scheme carried out with gruesome effect. The murderer(s) entered “El Aliviane” rehab center in Cuidad Juarez, and lined the patients up against a wall before summarily shooting them. In the US, violence like this is almost incomprehensible. But in Juarez, “Mexico’s murder capital,” violence of this sort has been labeled “unremarkable” by the LA Times and “just another day” by CBS.
Mowing down the innocent and vulnerable with an AK-47 is reprehensible. However, this may not be the whole story. Patricia Gonzalez, the Chihuahua State prosecutor, proposed that the victims were likely members of a rival cartel. She also said that rehab centers are frequently used by cartel members as hideouts from rivals. As of this writing, the government has not released evidence linking any of the victims to drug gangs.
Pressure for the government to reduce drug violence is again mounting. After a lull in violence that lasted from February to June, the cartels are reasserting their “depravity.” While the site of this shooting may be a unique twist, and the body count may be high, the trend of the violence remains dogged. Over 75 people have been killed in Juarez in the past week.
So far President Calderon’s efforts have shown conviction, but failed to yield lasting results. Round-ups of venal officials give hope that Mexico’s corruption is under attack. But apprehension of cartel bosses and the gang members who commit murder is not terribly impressive. Just over a week ago, the Mexican army claimed to have in custody three men responsible for 211 killings. Details were scant. Successful prosecutions are few, and concern over human rights abuses by law enforcement is increasing. Greater transparency is needed by the army and police, by the judiciary, and now by the largely unregulated rehab clinics.
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Legalizing in Mexico is only a small part of the solution.
Now in Mexico we have to legalize the production of marihuana and cocaine by legal and established companies.
Then the profits will be taken from the cartels and to the companies and government in the form of taxes. Those taxes will be for hospitals and education.
Frequently asked questions about legalization of drugs
Will my children take more drugs?
No as drugs will be prohibited for minors. Today drugs in most countries are illegal, its more fun to do illegal things than to buy a legal product in the supermarket. When alcohol was legalized we didnt get any drunker.
The US would have to legalize?
Yes, that would be ideal. If the US doesnt legalize then the drugs would go straight to the US.
If this goes through Mexico it wouldnt be illegal and the trucks would be stopped and confiscated.
By producing here in Mexico legally are we safer?
Yes, as the producer would be a legally established company like AstaZenaca or Philip Morris, for example. If the quality is bad you can complain and get your money back! Today you cant do that as the dealer runs away with your money and he has surely sold you some adulterated product of very dubious quality. Today a gram of pure cocaine costs 118 USD! But if its legal you wont be asaulted. I have never been asaulted for buying a bottle of Bacardi or cigarrettes.
Will prices go down?
Yes, as its legal there is no risk and distribution is easily done. No soldiers would be needed to hunt down illegal drugs. Prices would be fixed like another product: costs + margen = price.
Will the drugs be taxed?
Yes, like cigarrettes, alcohol and petrol. This income would go to education and hospitals, hopefully.
Would there be less violence?
Yes, when a product is illegal, risky and expensive there is violence. When its legal violence will cease. You wont be asaulted when you buy cocaine legally from the supermarket or pharmacy. The cartels would disappear and would be without a job as there is no profit for them.
Who will win?
Society as there would be no violence.
The company that produces and distribuites the drugs.
The government as with the taxes they could build hospitals and schools.
Turism would come back to Mexico.
Foreign investment would come to Mexico as we would be an attractive, stable country instead of a country that scares away capital.
The police as thay would be able to concentrate on other crimes. Being a cop wouldnt be so risky.
The army would be able to concentrate on other more productive jobs.
Prisons would be less crowded and dangerous.
Who would lose?
The cartels as they would have to look for another job.
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