Ambassador Johnson highlights Mexico’s cooperation in 35% drop in overdose deaths in the US

The United States ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson assured that overdose deaths in the US registered a 35% drop by the end of 2025compared to the peak reached in 2023, and attributed this reduction to the fight against drug trafficking cartels and bilateral cooperation with the Mexican government.

The diplomat spread the message through social networks, where he cited preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Dismantling the cartels, along with cooperation with Mexico, saves lives and strengthens our shared security,” he stated. Although he acknowledged that there is still work to do, he maintained that “progress is clear.”

The figures are part of the most recent interim report on overdose deaths, updated as of April 15, 2026.. According to that report, in the 12-month period that ended in November 2025, 68,372 deaths were recorded in the United States, a significant reduction compared to the 106,881 cases reported in the same period that ended in December 2023, considered the highest point in the historical series.

Downward trend, but with preliminary data

The CDC report also shows an estimated 15.9% decrease in overdose deaths in the most recent period compared to the previous year, which confirms a downward trend after the rebound registered between 2022 and 2023, when deaths exceeded 110,000 annually.

However, the agency itself warns that the data is provisional and could be incomplete. That’s because overdose deaths require forensic investigations and toxicology testing that can take months to complete. Therefore, current counts include statistical adjustments to compensate for reporting delays.

Another key difference is that the provisional figures consider non-residents who die in the United States, which can add between 400 and 500 additional cases, while the final data only includes residents. In addition, the records are organized according to the place where the death occurred, which does not always coincide with the victim’s place of residence..

Bilateral security cooperation

Johnson linked the reduction in deaths to coordinated actions between Washington and the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum in terms of security, particularly in the fight against cartels and synthetic drug trafficking.

In this context, he highlighted joint operations and seizures carried out by Mexican forces, as well as actions against criminal organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel. He also mentioned recent arrests of alleged members of criminal groups in the United States.

For her part, President Sheinbaum has reiterated that cooperation with the United States is maintained under principles of respect for national sovereignty and without subordination. The president has indicated that, although there is coordination in areas such as intelligence and security, operations in Mexican territory correspond exclusively to national authorities..

The issue has gained relevance in recent weeks, especially after the debate over the possible participation of US troops in Mexico, a proposal that the Mexican government has rejected.

Despite the differences, both countries agree on maintaining collaboration in the face of the drug consumption crisis in the United States.which for years has represented one of the main public health challenges in the region.

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