Mexican lawmakers approve amnesty for drugs, robbery

The lower house of Mexico’s Congress approved a controversial law Wednesday to grant amnesty for non-violent robbery, drug and other crimes, as long as those were first offenses.

The bill was approved in a 285-144 vote, but now goes to the Senate for final approval.

Amnesty would be available for drug possession in amounts up to double the de-criminalized limits that exist under current law.

People convicted of drug sale or possession who were forced into it by poverty, or pressure from a spouse or drug gang would also be eligible.

Amnesty would also be available . . .