U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, demanded answers after a young girl in Huauchinango, Puebla, tested positive for fentanyl. Responding to the position taken by local authorities, he warned that the circulation of this drug affects all age groups.
Through his account on X, the diplomat expressed concern over the incident that took place in the Mexican state. After consuming atole and tamales in a neighborhood of Huauchinango, several minors became intoxicated. Their families rushed them to hospitals, where one of the girls tested positive for a substance known to cause severe addiction and serious health damage.
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Ambassador Ronald Johnson demands solutions after girl tests positive for fentanyl in Puebla
In his message, Johnson stressed that it does not matter whether the victims are American or Mexican, or whether they are adults or children, because “fentanyl does not care,” as demonstrated by the case of the young girl from Puebla.
“This reinforces the urgency of dismantling the networks that poison our communities with fentanyl. We are grateful to know they are recovering. Our prayers are with those affected and their families,” he said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum instructed the security cabinet and the Health Ministry to thoroughly investigate whether fentanyl was truly involved and how it could have contaminated the food. She emphasized the highly toxic and lethal nature of the substance, noting that even a minimal amount can be fatal.
“First we must verify whether it was indeed fentanyl, how it entered the food, and carry out the necessary investigations,” Sheinbaum said.
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Puebla government downplays fentanyl test
Following pressure from Ambassador Johnson and widespread media attention surrounding the case, authorities released an official statement. The Puebla Attorney General’s Office reported that the qualitative test results indicated the presence of barbiturates, methadone, and fentanyl.
However, local officials appeared to downplay the situation, attributing the results to the girl’s prolonged stay of more than 10 hours in the hospital. They stated that during her hospitalization, medication was administered to treat seizures, which may have influenced the test results.
The case has drawn heightened attention not only because the victim is a minor, but also because fentanyl remains a central concern for the United States government. For this reason, President Donald Trump has promoted security strategies aimed at combating drug trafficking and protecting public health.
Trump has even offered support to President Sheinbaum to confront drug cartels operating in Mexico. According to his statements, the Mexican leader has resisted such cooperation out of concern over the power wielded by organized crime in the country
