Mexico rejects US allegations of ties between government and cartels

The Mexican government has firmly rejected claims by US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief Terry Cole alleging links between Mexican authorities and organised crime groups, according to a joint statement issued by the country's security agencies.

“Regarding the statements made by DEA Administrator Terry Cole, who alleged a supposed ‘connection’ between drug cartels and the Mexican government, it is important to clarify the following. These claims are unfounded and do not correspond to the results achieved in the fight against criminal organisations, which the Mexican government has publicly presented and which are verifiable,” the statement said.

Mexican authorities stressed that the country's national security strategy is based on a policy of “zero impunity.” As evidence, the government cited the detention of more than 80 current and former public officials, including seven mayors, on criminal-related charges.

The statement also noted that between October 2024, when the current administration took office, and June 30, 2026, authorities seized nearly 500 tons of narcotics and more than 5.5 million fentanyl pills. In addition, the average daily number of intentional homicides reportedly fell by 48% between September 2024 and June 2026.

Earlier, Cole said the DEA was using all available resources to combat drug cartels and those profiting from the flow of narcotics into the United States.

He claimed that there was a deadly connection between cartel networks and the Mexican government, adding that cartels and Mexican authorities were “inseparable” and remained a top priority for the agency.

By Jeyhun Aghazada