Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today asked Mexico President Vicente Fox to examine Mexico’s role in the production and distribution of methamphetamines.

Senator Feinstein has joined with Senator James Talent (R-MO) to sponsor legislation to move cold medicines containing a key ingredient in the production of meth – pseudoephedrine – behind the counter and limit the amount that can be purchased in a 30-day period.

This request to President Fox follows news reports that indicate that Mexico appears to be importing far more pseudoephedrine than is necessary to meet the country’s cold treatment needs. The following is Senator Feinstein’s letter to President Fox:

“I write to express my concern about recent reports concerning the growing problem of methamphetamine production and distribution, and to ask for your assistance in efforts to address this problem.

Recently the Oregonian, a respected newspaper in the United States, completed an in-depth investigatory report about the illegal methamphetamine business. As you can see from the article, a copy of which is enclosed, their conclusion was that Mexico is increasingly an important element in this international problem. In short, Mexico appears to be importing inordinate amounts of pseudoephedrine, a key precursor for methamphetamine. This pseudoephedrine is destined for conversion into this deadly street drug, either in ‘super-labs’ in Mexico, or to be smuggled into the United States, where our own criminal labs will manufacture methamphetamine.

The bottom line is that the report in the Oregonian is credible, and deeply concerning, concluding that ‘[t]he dominant source’ of methamphetamine precursor is ‘cold medicine manufactured by Mexico's legitimate pharmaceutical industry.’ It indicates the growing transnational reach of the methamphetamine problem. It also calls for international efforts.

To that end, I strongly urge you to personally examine this issue. I am confident that with your leadership, Mexico can take effective steps to limit, and maybe even eliminate, the flow of this horrible drug through your country.

I hope you will undertake this effort, and I stand ready to assist you in any way I can. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter of critical importance to both our nations.”

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