In a collaborative effort to combat drug trafficking, the CIA, with authorization from the Biden administration, has been deploying MQ9 Reaper drones, described as unarmed and non-lethal, for surveillance over Mexico. The primary objective of these missions is to pinpoint the locations of fentanyl labs and monitor cartel activities. This program, initiated under the Trump administration, continues under the current government and involves close cooperation with Mexican authorities. The gathered intelligence is shared with the Mexican government, empowering them to take action against illegal cartel operations and dismantle fentanyl production sites.

This collaborative approach differs significantly from unilateral operations, with a senior U.S. official emphasizing the partnership with Mexico. The severity of the fentanyl and methamphetamine crisis was highlighted last year by Felipe de Jesus Gallo, head of Mexico’s Criminal Investigation Agency. Gallo pointed out Mexico's long-standing role as a major methamphetamine producer, a situation now exacerbated by the rise of fentanyl. Mexican cartels utilize precursor chemicals sourced from China and India to manufacture the synthetic opioid, which is then smuggled into the United States, contributing to a devastating number of overdose deaths annually.

While fentanyl abuse is not widespread within Mexico, methamphetamine addiction poses a significant challenge. The cartels have industrialized meth production, expanding operations beyond traditional rural locations to various states across the country. This expansion has enabled them to export meth globally, reaching markets as far as Hong Kong and Australia. The cartels have also developed sophisticated methods to conceal their illicit financial gains. Despite the smaller volume of fentanyl production due to its potency, its impact remains substantial. In 2023, a significant seizure of fentanyl pills in Culiacan, considered the largest synthetic drug lab discovered at the time, underscored the scale of the problem. The operation yielded almost 630,000 fentanyl pills, along with substantial quantities of powdered fentanyl and suspected methamphetamine.