The evidence of Mexico's cooperation with the U.S. anti-drug effort, the report says, is increased intelligence sharing between the two countries, the eradication of illicit drug crops in Mexico, and the formation of a bilateral working group for military issues. The report also notes the possible extradition of drug fugitives from Mexico to the U.S. for trial. Mexico has agreed to extradite more criminals, but under Mexican law, fugitives must serve their sentences before they can be extradited. Upon completion of their Mexican sentence, the prisoners would be returned to the U.S. to serve the sentence that they received under U.S. law.
Similar provisions exist between U.S. states.
McCaffrey said that a key part of stopping drug smuggling is to enhance inspections of trucks that pass through the 39 U.S.-Mexico border crossing points. The large x-ray devices can scan up to seven trucks an hour for drugs. Despite the promised deployment of new technology and the generally optimistic White House survey of Mexico's anti-drug activity, some in Congress are not satisfied that Mexico has become a fully cooperative partner with the U.S. in stopping the narcotics trade. That view strikes me as unduly optimistic. The report did receive some favorable responses.