Narcotics and Money Laundering

President Bush Requests Funds for Security Cooperation with Mexico and Central America.  To combat the threats of drug trafficking, transnational crime, and terrorism in this Hemisphere, the President today is requesting $500 million as part of a $1.4 billion program to fund security cooperation with Mexico. President Bush and President Calderon have discussed on many occasions the importance of the United States and Mexico working together in a strategic partnership against the common threats our nations face.

• PRESS RELEASE - The U.S. Donates $16 Million to Central America to Combat Narcotraffic and Crime
• JOINT STATEMENT - The Merida Initiative: A New Paradigm for Security Cooperation
• FACT SHEET - The Merida Initiative: United States – Mexico – Central America Security Cooperation

The U.S. Renews its Support to Guatemala to Combat Narcotraffic and Organized Crime.  U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala, James M. Derham, signed today three Letters of Agreement for US$2,323,667 to renew U.S. support for programs already being implemented to combat narcotrafficking and organized crime in Guatemala. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City with the Minister of the Interior, Adela de Torrebiarte; the Attorney General and Head of the Public Ministry, Juan Luis Florido; and representatives from the Embassy’s Narcotics Affairs Section.

• MEMORANDUM - Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2008
• STATEMENT - White House Press Secretary