On 22 June, Mexican security forces seized more than three metric tonnes of cocaine in two separate operations, one in the Pacific state of Guerrero and another in the central, landlocked state of Tlaxcala. The Tlaxcala seizure, unusual for a state with no coastline and no established trafficking route, immediately drew the attention of security analysts, who pointed to the ongoing FIFA World Cup as a probable driver. Mexico is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada, and matches are being played in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey from 11 June to 19 July.

Authorities have not officially linked the busts to the football championship. A spokesman for the Tlaxcala state government said the seizure “does not constitute evidence” of organised crime operations in the state and that no information ties the event to international gatherings. Nevertheless, six security experts consulted by Reuters told the news agency that the World Cup was the most plausible explanation for the large cocaine cache stored near the capital. Andrés Sumano, a researcher at El Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Tijuana, said criminal groups likely increased stockpiles in warehouses close to Mexico City to meet an expected spike in demand, much as any business would for a major event. Three drug dealers in the capital, speaking anonymously to the same agency, confirmed a noticeable rise in demand, with one describing international events as always a “good opportunity” to boost sales.

The tournament, which Mexican projections suggest will draw 5.5 million visitors, has also cast a spotlight on the country’s fragmented drug policies. A UN Office on Drugs and Crime report released this year notes that the illicit cannabis market remains robust in North America, with Mexican-grown marijuana competing on price and potency even in legalised markets such as Canada and the United States. Industry groups in Mexico warn that the absence of a regulated cannabis framework exposes tourists and locals to legal uncertainty and strengthens informal networks. One advocacy organisation, Revolución con Flores, said it had proposed responsible-use protocols to authorities ahead of the tournament but received no response. The influx of visitors has been celebrated in other quarters: a recent travel guide highlighted the host cities’ rich culinary traditions, from Mexico City’s street food to Guadalajara’s birria and Monterrey’s grilled meats.

While the cocaine seizures remain under investigation, the juxtaposition of a global sporting celebration and a surge in drug supply has drawn scrutiny from public health specialists. A separate guide published by French-speaking addiction associations this month called for the regulation of stimulants, arguing that prohibition has failed to curb consumption or protect vulnerable populations. For now, Mexican authorities have not altered their public stance, and no official link between the drug trade and the World Cup has been established.