(NewsNation) — As progress is being made in efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis a new challenge is emerging at the United States’ southern border: The resurgence of cocaine.
Reports indicate a dramatic rise in its production throughout South America, with the effects now being felt at the U.S.-Mexico border, as authorities report larger and more frequent drug seizures.
While overdose deaths related to fentanyl are starting to decline, U.S. authorities are seeing an increase in cocaine trafficking as criminal groups increase production.
The rise in cocaine trafficking is becoming a growing concern
The U.S. government continues to pressure Mexico to crack down on fentanyl production, particularly in cities like Sinaloa and Jalisco.
Earlier this month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized $6.2 million worth of cocaine, hidden in plastic rolls inside a commercial tractor-trailer coming from Mexico.
Additionally, Texas Department of Public Safety agents, under Operation Lone Star, seized 794 pounds of cocaine worth $10.5 million in multiple drug seizures. According to Texas DPS, “As illegal border crossings decline. Mexican drug cartels are increasing drug smuggling efforts.”
In Weslaco, Texas, Texas DPS officers seized more than $6 million worth of cocaine, concealed in wrapped bundles inside a semitrailer, weighing more than 500 pounds. The driver, Mario Robledo of Mexico, was arrested and booked into the Hidalgo County Jail.
Last month, CBP officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized $2.7 million worth of cocaine concealed in 80 packages hidden in a passenger bus after entering the U.S. from Mexico.
While U.S. authorities acknowledge that fentanyl remains a major problem, also highlight the rise in cocaine production and trafficking.
What’s contributing to the increase in cocaine production?
One major factor contributing to the increase is the rise in cocaine production in Columbia.
A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report last October found that cocaine production increased by 53 percent from 2022 to 2023, reaching a total yield of 2,664 metric tons.
Combined with Mexico’s efforts to curb fentanyl production in key areas like Sinaloa, criminal networks are still turning to cocaine production. Last week, the Mexican Navy seized 4.5 tons of cocaine off the coast of Baja, California, heading toward the U.S.
Mexican authorities report that this year alone, nearly 70,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized at sea.