Yucatán ranch raided, 3 tied to cartel arrested

Yucatán, Mexico — Authorities in Yucatán conducted a raid on a ranch located at kilometer 1+000 of the Buctzotz-Tizimín highway last Saturday, where they seized cannabis, methamphetamines, and firearms. The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals suspected of involvement in small-scale drug trafficking.

Details of the Operation

The Yucatán State Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the raid led to the detention of three individuals identified as J.A.V.S., his sister M.B.V.S., and a ranch worker, A.R.G. The operation was carried out jointly with the State Public Security Secretariat (SSP) after a judge from the Fifth District granted a search warrant for the property.

Prosecutors charged the siblings not only with drug-related offenses but also with illegal possession of firearms. Local media reports suggest the detainees have ties to La Familia Michoacana, a criminal organization recently designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. government.

Legal Proceedings

The suspects invoked their constitutional right to a timely resolution of their legal status, prompting the judge to recess the hearing and schedule a continuation for June 7. The case, registered under criminal file number 44/2025, revealed that the arrests occurred on May 31 during the execution of the search warrant, which was issued following suspicions of drug sales at the ranch.

The prosecution requested mandatory pretrial detention for the siblings, which was granted for the duration of the legal process. The ranch worker, however, was placed under alternative measures, including monthly court check-ins, a travel ban outside the state without judicial approval, an economic guarantee, and supervision by the Precautionary Measures Unit. He is also prohibited from approaching the crime scene or contacting his co-defendants.

Background on La Familia Michoacana

La Familia Michoacana has been under increased scrutiny after the U.S. government classified it as a terrorist organization. The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking and violent activities in Mexico.

The raid underscores ongoing efforts by Mexican authorities to combat organized crime and drug-related offenses in the region.