Mexican-US border at Laredo (Texas)

The Merida Initiative to reduce transnational crime between Central America, Mexico and the US, including gun trafficking, was announced on 22 October 2007. Under this initiative, the US will provide substantial technical and financial assistance to strengthen border controls and efforts to reduce crime. Click here for more information on the initiative.

The primary goal of the initiative is to reduce drug trafficking, but it will also address gun smuggling, which is a major concern for Mexico. Mexican police say the vast majority of guns used in drug crime come from the US. Mexican police also report that the number of assault weapons used by drug criminals has increased since the US federal assault gun ban ended in 2004.

Earlier this year, Mexican IANSA members prepared a video campaigning for stronger controls on the legal gun trade. IANSA Director Rebecca Peters has also been interviewed on the need for stronger international standards in the Mexican magazine Tus Abogados.