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Mexico votes to legalize small amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana
Posted 4/28/2006 3:41 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this
MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexico's Congress approved a bill Friday that would legalize drug possession for personal use decriminalizing the carrying of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and even heroin.
The only step remaining is the signature of the president, whose office indicates he will sign the measure, despite the implications for the war on drugs.
The bill, approved by the Senate on a 53-26 vote with one abstention, had been approved earlier by the lower house of Congress.
U.S. officials had no immediate reaction on what this means for the fight against drug trafficking, or the vast numbers of American students who visit Mexico on vacation.
"The presidency congratulates the Congress for approving the reforms," said presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar. "This law gives police and prosecutors better legal tools to combat drug crimes that do so much damage to our youth and children."
The bill legalizes possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, ectasy and marijuana.
"No charges will be brought against ... addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use," the bill reads.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posted 4/28/2006 3:41 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this
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My USA TODAY briefs
Mexico votes to legalize small amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana
Posted 4/28/2006 3:41 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this
MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexico's Congress approved a bill Friday that would legalize drug possession for personal use decriminalizing the carrying of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and even heroin.
The only step remaining is the signature of the president, whose office indicates he will sign the measure, despite the implications for the war on drugs.
The bill, approved by the Senate on a 53-26 vote with one abstention, had been approved earlier by the lower house of Congress.
U.S. officials had no immediate reaction on what this means for the fight against drug trafficking, or the vast numbers of American students who visit Mexico on vacation.
"The presidency congratulates the Congress for approving the reforms," said presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar. "This law gives police and prosecutors better legal tools to combat drug crimes that do so much damage to our youth and children."
The bill legalizes possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, ectasy and marijuana.
"No charges will be brought against ... addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use," the bill reads.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posted 4/28/2006 3:41 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this
Newspaper Home Delivery - Subscribe Today
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