BI-NATIONAL EXCHANGE

On Friday September 10th 2004, law enforcement, health professionals and education representatives from the United States and Mexico engaged in an anti-drug, bilateral meeting focusing on the problems facing this region. More than twenty representatives of government, law enforcement and non-profit organizations from both sides of the border attended the meeting. This was part of the initial phase of the Bi-national Exchange, a program designed to address the drug problem from a bi-national perspective.

The border region faces particular challenges in dealing with the drug problem. The geography of the area is unique: from beaches and seaports to deserts, with forested mountains in between yet home to the largest bi-national metropolis in the world. Although the 140-mile border is on 7% of the entire U.S.-Mexican border, it is home to 60% of the entire population of the Southwest border region. Encompassing five of the busiest land ports in the United States (San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico East and Calexico West), international airports and seaport, as well as urban, rural and designated wilderness areas, this region is one of the most active transit areas for drugs moving north and monies moving south.

This committee is a bilateral cooperative initiative that seeks to effectively reduce the consumption of illegal drugs along the United States and Mexico border region. Through the committee, both countries work jointly to reduce the demand of drugs through awareness programs, public education of prevention, treatment, and training. Additionally, both countries cooperate to stop the illicit drug trade. The Unites States and Mexico accept the fact that both countries simultaneously, have a high level percentage of substance abuse. Both countries promote the exchange and the development of projects of cooperation in the areas of control, treatment of addictions and reduction of the illicit drug demand.

The Bi-National Exchange supports prevention, treatment, communications, policy development and the establishment of a strong network between the health and public safety institutions and the communities on both sides of the border.