MEXICAN POLICEMAN DESTROYS OPIUM POPPIES AT CLANDESTINE PLANTATION, 1999-02-17 (photo)

A Mexican Federal Judicial policeman destroys opium poppies with a pen knife on a clandestine plantation high in the Guerrero Sierra during a routine anti-drug operation, February 17. Guerrero is Mexico's largest producer of opium, the vast majority of which is either smuggled raw or refined into heroin and transported to the U.S. Mexico will face the U.S. certification process on whether it is considered a co-operative ally in the war against drugs at the end of this month. U.S. White House drugs advisor Barry McCaffrey praised Mexico's drug eradication program during his recent visit to Mexico with President Clinton. AW/HB/JDP