US steps up fight against drugs
Stopping the flow of drugs across the Mexico and US border is critical for American security, an official has insisted.
Janet Napolitano, the US secretary of homeland security, stated that inhibiting supply lines is "critical" for "our nation's safety".
She confirmed that the government intends to step up its efforts to "interdict drug traffickers and disrupt their links to terrorism and organised crime".
Gil Kerlikowske, policy director at National Drug Control, added that the Obama administration is also committed to supporting programmes that help to cut the consumption of drugs in both the US and Mexico.
He said the demand for illegal substances in the US is a primary contributor to crime and addiction in both countries.
This comes after Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, said countries in Central America need to focus on directly attacking criminal groups, strengthening the rule of law and tackling corruption.
