WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIREUPDATE) – The Mérida Initiative is an unprecedented partnership between the United States and Mexico to fight organized crime and associated violence, and has resulted in the removal of key drug trafficking organization leaders, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.

Mérida was conceived in 2007 as a multi-year, $1.4 billion effort.  The U.S. Congress has appropriated $1.3 billion since the program’s inception in Fiscal Year 2008. The U.S. and Mexican governments have built on the foundations of the Mérida Initiative to establish four strategic areas to guide our cooperation and institutionalize our partnership:  Disrupt Organized Criminal Groups; Strengthen Institutions; Create a 21st Century Border; and Build Strong and Resilient Communities in Both Countries.

Among the major successes against organized crime is the removal of numerous key drug trafficking leaders by Mexican Security Forces, the extradition of 107 fugitives to the United States in 2009, seizure of 92 tons of cocaine, 6,500 tons of marijuana, and 949 kilos of heroin.

In addition, 303 alleged members of the Familia Michoacana were arrested as a result of the partnership in October 2009, with 1,186 arrests made over the 44 month project.

As a direct result of bilateral cooperation, both countries have begun the task of building a 21^st century border, which includes the training of 44 canine teams, training on section techniques, and curriculum development on customs investigations, with investigative training to begin this year.

The State Department said that the efforts have built confidence that is transforming the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Source: The U.S. Department of State