When Donald Trump threatened a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico if it did not stop fentanyl crossing the border, Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, shot back with a public letter stating that it was drug demand in the US that caused crime and death in Mexico. "We don't consume synthetic drugs," she asserted.
But Daniela is one of many in Mexico who do - except it is not fentanyl, but the ultra-cheap cristal that is Mexico's synthetic drug of choice. Its use among workers, partygoers and young people has soared, threatening a public health crisis that state services are ill-equipped to face.
Back in the 2000s, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) cracked down on domestic labs cooking methamphetamine - the potent, crystalline form of which is known as crystal meth - which displaced production to Mexico and its organised crime groups.
Esta historia es de la edición December 09, 2024 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 09, 2024 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Many migrant workers will die': the human cost of 2034
Millions will build stadiums and hotels but testimony suggests abuse is deeply entrenched in Saudi Arabia
Built to order What will Saudi tournament look like?
Fifa's bid evaluation report left no doubt: Saudi Arabia had put together the most convincing, highest-scoring package of all time.
Gomez 'blessed to stay at best club in the world'
Joe Gomez says he is \"blessed\" to be at Liverpool after a summer in which the prospect of leaving was real.
Vlahovic and McKennie pile on the pain for Guardiola's struggling City
Missing in action during the past six weeks: Manchester City's pizzazz. It was absent here again, in the latest moping performance that has become the odd, yet recognisable face of Pep Guardiola's formerly supreme team.
Saka doubles up to put Arsenal on the verge of qualification
It would normally be over by now, the Champions League group stage done and dusted and yet there are still two more ties for Arsenal; a test of their physicality, the depth of their reserves as well as their resolve.
Ramirez stunner steals show as Twente hit for six
Chelsea cruised to a 14th straight victory in all competitions with a crushing win over FC Twente in the Women's Champions League.
Amorim says Ashworth exit a 'bad situation'
Ruben Amorim admits sporting director Dan Ashworth's shock exit is \"a bad situation\" but the Manchester United head coach believes the club's vision remains unaffected.
Abdullah puts Blades sale on hold with eyes on promotion
Sheffield United's owner, Prince Abdullah, has put the sale of the club on hold in the hope of cashing in if Chris Wilder's side are promoted to the Premier League.
Dallaglio pays tribute to Voyce as search continues
Lawrence Dallaglio has expressed his sorrow after his former England teammate Tom Voyce was apparently swept away while crossing a flooded river, with the Rugby World Cup winner saying it has echoes of his own family tragedy.
De Pauw leaves Villa amid allegations over remarks
Robert de Pauw's departure from his role as Aston Villa's women's team manager yesterday came amid concerns regarding the way he had allegedly spoken to his players, including about their appearance, the Guardian has been told.
