Mexico - Drugs in Mexico

Sentences for possession of drugs in Mexico can be as long as 25 years plus fines. Just as in the United States, purchase of controlled medication requires a doctor's prescription. The Mexican list of controlled medications differs from the U.S. list, and Mexican public health laws concerning controlled medication are unclear. Possession of excessive amounts of psychotropic drugs such as Valium can result in arrest if the authorities suspect abuse.

Drugs are a major part of Mexican life. Some areas are considered to be run by narcotics dealers. Drug dealers can be spotted by their love for Chevy Suburbans and Jeep Cherokees, Ray-Bans and AK-47s hidden behind the seats.

Because Mexican authorities need to show Uncle Sam they are cracking down on drugs, the government rigorously prosecutes drug cases where the defendant can't cough up enough money to get out of it. Under Mexican law, possession of and trafficking in illegal drugs are federal offenses. For drug trafficking, bail does not exist. Mexican law does not differentiate between types of narcotics: Heroin, marijuana and amphetamines, for example, are treated the same. Offenders found guilty of possessing more than a token amount of any narcotic substance are subject to a minimum sentence of seven years, and it is not uncommon for persons charged with drug offenses to be detained for up to a year before a verdict is reached.