Mexico to Host the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee in 2024

Mexico will host the committee combating fentanyl, comprising the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The three nations convened to explore opportunities and advancements in the battle against fentanyl.

On Dec. 20, 2023, Liz Sherwood-Randall, Homeland Security Advisor to the President of the United States, hosted her Mexico and Canada counterparts virtually for a meeting of the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee (TFC).

During this third meeting, the countries discussed progress made by the expert working group on identifying opportunities to enhance regulatory and statutory frameworks associated with precursor chemicals and related equipment used for the production of illicit fentanyl. They also shared information about illicit drug trends and recent diplomatic engagements focused on reducing the flow of illicit synthetic drugs and their precursor chemicals, reported the White House. The committee agreed to meet again in person in Mexico in early 2024.

President Joe Biden, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau established this trilateral committee with their high-level representatives during the North American Leaders’ Summit on January 9-10, 2023, to guide priority actions to address the illicit fentanyl threat facing North America.

“The TFC builds on the existing work of the North American Drug Dialogue, the U.S.-Mexico Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities, and the U.S.-Canada Opioid Action Plan,” states the White House.

Moreover, a couple of weeks ago, the Chinese government refuted claims that chemical precursors utilized in the production of fentanyl originating from China have been confiscated in Mexico. The Chinese Embassy in Mexico expressed discontent over Janet Yellen’s comments: "Most of the chemical precursors of fentanyl come from China and are synthesized in Mexico."