(AP) MEXICO CITY Mexico’s Congress approved a bill Friday decriminalizing possession of small quantities of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and even heroin for personal use.

The final step for the measure is the signature of Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Aides say Fox plans to sign it.

Mexican officials hope the law will help police focus on large-scale trafficking operations, rather than minor drug busts.

The bill also stiffens penalties for trafficking and possession of drugs — even small quantities — by government employees or near schools, and maintains criminal penalties for drug sales.

U.S. officials had no immediate reaction on the potential impact on the war on drugs — or the vast numbers of vacationing students who visit Mexico.
cbs2.com

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