# 40th International Drug Enforcement Conference in Argentina

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-drug-enforcement-conference-in-argentina
> Updated: 2026-08-27T15:50:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

The 40th International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC), held in Buenos Aires from August 18 to 20, 2026, highlighted intensifying cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico. Co-hosted by the DEA and Argentina’s Ministry of Security, the summit included delegates from over 100 countries.

During the proceedings, DEA Director Terry Cole praised Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch as a ‘trusted partner and a good friend of the United States.’ Harfuch emphasized that while Mexico is committed to combating transnational criminal organizations, cooperation must be based on ‘mutual respect for national sovereignty.’ He reported that international efforts led to the transfer of 92 high-impact targets to the U.S.

Following the summit, Cole disclosed a previously unpublicized meeting in Mexico City with Harfuch. He noted that the two maintain daily communication to target the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Cole revealed that Harfuch had personally notified him via telephone regarding the February 22 operation in Jalisco that neutralized Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This operation utilized Mexican Special Forces and significant U.S. technological support, though it resulted in the deaths of 25 Mexican military personnel.

Additionally, Harfuch reported that 2,775 methamphetamine laboratories have been dismantled in Mexico to disrupt criminal logistics. The officials also discussed ‘Operación Frontera Norte,’ which involved the deployment of 11,000 National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border.

## Claims

- DEA Director Terry Cole conducted a previously unannounced visit to Mexico City to meet with Omar García Harfuch. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Omar García Harfuch personally called Terry Cole to report the successful operation against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho'. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The DEA Director and the Mexican Secretary of Security maintain daily communication and intelligence sharing. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The 'Operación Frontera Norte' involved the deployment of 11,000 National Guard members to the Mexico-US border. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The operation against 'El Mencho' resulted in the deaths of 25 Mexican military personnel. (single source)
- Mexico has dismantled 2,775 laboratories used for methamphetamine production. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: DEA Director Terry Cole reveals unannounced meeting with Mexico's Omar García Harfuch

DEA Director Terry Cole revealed a previously unannounced meeting with Mexico's Omar García Harfuch, highlighting daily intelligence sharing and cooperation against cartels like CJNG.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dea-administrator-reveals-undisclosed-visit-to-mexico

### 2026-08-12: Mexico's Security Secretary to attend DEA drug control summit in Argentina

Mexico's Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch will attend the DEA's 40th International Drug Control Conference in Argentina to present Mexico's security results and strategy to global officials.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-to-host-international-drug-control-conference-and-regional-assembly

---
Cite as: 40th International Drug Enforcement Conference in Argentina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-drug-enforcement-conference-in-argentina