Mexico’s Fox Backs Off on Drug Decriminalization

Without mentioning U.S. criticism of the law, Mexico’s president Vicente Fox refused to sign a bill that would have decriminalized possession of small quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs in his country.

U.S. drug control officials warned Fox that the law could create a “drug tourism” industry and increase the availability of illegal drugs in U.S.-Mexico border communities.

Quoted in an AP story published by CNN, President Fox stated he would send the bill back to his congress for corrections “to make it absolutely clear in our country, the possession of drugs and their consumption are, and will continue to be, a criminal offense.”

Under Mexican law, judges already possess great latitude in reducing or dropping drug possession charges involving small quantities of drugs.

Also See:
Mexico Set to Decriminalize Several Drugs
U.S. Praises Mexico’s Drug Fighting ‘Resolve’