Ireland can learn from Mexico in its ongoing battle against drug trafficking, according to the Mexican ambassador.
During a visit to Limerick yesterday, Cecilia Jaber said the demand for drugs must be eliminated through education and other planned schemes.
"You cannot stop drug trafficking by the supply only. There is also a massive problem that comes from the demand for drugs. Drugs are transited through and into countries like Ireland and Mexico all because of the demand.
"The origins of the supply feed the demand in other places so there is no one part in this conflict. All aspects have to be tackled. Organisation and education are the key elements to stopping the root problem of drugs. Work with the young people, educate them about the problems," Ms Jaber added.
Officials estimate drug traffickers transfer between $8 billion to $24 billion (€5.5 billion- €16.5 billion) in profits from the US to Mexico annually.
According to Ms Jaber, cocaine and cannabis are the drugs smuggled through Mexico most frequently. "We are working very closely with the American government in a collaboration project to enforce the law and confront the problems," she said.
During her visit to Limerick, the Mexican ambassador also made an appeal for support to help the relief work in Mexico, where southern regions were devastated recently by the worst floods in 50 years following 10 days of heavy rain.
"It is a tragedy for Mexico, economically, a disaster. One million people lost their homes in the Tabasco area, that would be three-quarters of the population there, and many were killed. It would have a population similar to that of Dublin.
"We need clothing, food, medicines for the humanitarian effort. Anything people can give, we would greatly appreciate it," she said.
Irish donations to the relief effort can be made at any AIB bank to the Tabasco Relief 2007 account, number 2750 6570, sort code 93-13-65.