The Mexican police and army are struggling to control armed drug cartels operating in cities across the country.
More than 28,000 people have died in the drugs war since President Felipe Calderon ordered the army into the fight in 2006.
HARDtalk's Stephen Sackur spoke to him about whether the war against the gangs can ever be won.
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You can watch the full interview on Wednesday 27th October on BBC World News at 0330, 0830, 1530, and 2030 GMT and in the UK on BBC News Channel at 0430 and 2330 BST.
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