Claudia Sheinbaum’s First Governorship Report Reveals Drug Eradication and Seizure Trends
Claudia Sheinbaum’s First Governorship Report highlighted a decrease in drug eradication and seizures during 2024, the final year of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration and the beginning of Sheinbaum’s term, compared to 2018, which marked the transition between Enrique Peña Nieto’s and López Obrador’s administrations.
Key Drug Seizure Statistics
- Marijuana: In 2024, 75.4 tonnes were seized, representing a 68.4% decrease from 2018’s 239.2 tonnes.
- Opium Gum: 306.3 kg were seized in 2024, a 10.8% decrease from 339.4 kg in 2018. So far in 2025, 53.7 kg have been seized.
- Heroin: 123.5 kg were seized in 2024, a 74.8% decrease from 2018’s 492 kg. From January to June 2025, 76.4 kg have been seized.
- Psychotropic Substances: There was a 3% increase in seizures, from 59,061 in 2018 to 60,787 in 2024. So far in 2025, 32,835 units have been seized.
- Cocaine: No data has been reported since 2021 in federal government reports.
Illicit Crop Eradication and Weapon Seizures
Regarding the eradication of illicit crops, such as marijuana and poppy, 11,605.6 hectares were eradicated in 2024, a 56% decrease from 26,411.4 hectares in 2018. So far in 2025, 947.2 hectares have been eradicated, all of marijuana.
In terms of weapon seizures, 22,937 pieces were reported in 2024, a 266.9% increase from the 6,520 pieces reported in 2018. So far in 2025, 11,201 pieces have been reported.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? A: Claudia Sheinbaum is the current head of government (equivalent to mayor) of Mexico City, succeeding Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration.
- Q: Why is Sheinbaum’s report relevant? A: The report provides insights into drug-related activities and law enforcement efforts during the transition from López Obrador’s administration to Sheinbaum’s.
- Q: How do the drug seizure statistics impact Mexico? A: The decreasing seizures may indicate shifts in drug trafficking routes, production methods, or law enforcement strategies. These changes can affect public safety and the country’s drug-related policies.
- Q: What do the illicit crop eradication numbers tell us? A: The decrease in eradicated hectares suggests that drug crop cultivation may be shifting to new areas or that eradication efforts are becoming less effective.
- Q: How do weapon seizure statistics reflect on security in Mexico? A: The significant increase in weapon seizures could indicate heightened law enforcement efforts or potentially more armed criminal organizations.
