Mexico’s Crime Groups Lose Billions in Raids

Mexico — Security operations conducted this past weekend across various states in the country dealt an economic blow of over 2,232 million pesos to criminal organizations, the federal Security Cabinet announced this Monday.

The coordinated actions between federal, state, and municipal authorities included search warrants, seizures of drugs, weapons, vehicles, and clandestine laboratories, demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented strategies to combat organized crime.

Dismantling of a Methamphetamine Laboratory in Morelos

The most significant impact was registered in Yautepec, Morelos, where federal and state authorities dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at the Las Iguanas ranch. Authorities secured 6,283 liters and 270 kilograms of chemical substances, in addition to five reactors and 10 L.P. gas tanks. The economic damage to organized crime is estimated at 2,073 million pesos, making it one of the most significant seizures in the state's recent history.

Operations in Sinaloa, Sonora, and Chiapas

In Culiacán, Sinaloa, the Mexican Army deactivated several synthetic drug production centers in Estancia de los García and surrounding areas, securing 3,755 liters and 25 kilograms of chemical substances, with an approximate value of 76 million pesos.

In San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, a joint search operation allowed for the seizure of 19 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 860 grams of methamphetamine, 600 grams of heroin, 30 long weapons, and nine vehicles, with an estimated value of 65.3 million pesos.

Meanwhile, in Tapachula, Chiapas, federal and state forces secured 64 kilograms of cocaine, six vehicles, a quad bike, and a trailer, with an approximate value of 14.1 million pesos, reinforcing the fight against drug trafficking in the country's southern region.

Seizures in Quintana Roo, Chihuahua, and Mexico City

In Cozumel, Quintana Roo, authorities confiscated eight kilograms of cocaine, valued at 1.8 million pesos, while in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, search operations led to the detention of three people and the seizure of 4.2 kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and money, with a value of 942,650 pesos.

In Mexico City and the State of Mexico, five properties were searched, resulting in the detention of seven people and the seizure of nine kilograms of marijuana, 1,400 doses of methamphetamine, cocaine, weapons, money, and jewelry, with an approximate value of 591,000 pesos, consolidating coordination between different levels of government.

Additional Operations in Sonora and Jalisco

On a smaller scale, in Hermosillo, Sonora, three individuals were detained with 815 fentanyl pills, 50 grams of cocaine, and a vehicle, with a value of 683,500 pesos. On the other hand, in Tequila, Jalisco, weapons, vehicles, drugs, and 100,000 pesos in cash were secured, continuing the strategy of pressure on criminal groups in different regions of the country.

Impact of the Operations on Organized Crime

These security actions represent a significant blow to the economy of the cartels and criminal groups, limiting their operational capacity and production of synthetic drugs. The coordination between the Army, the National Guard, the Attorney General's Office, and state authorities has allowed for the recovery of key assets and the detention of alleged perpetrators, contributing to national security and the protection of the citizenry.

The Security Cabinet emphasized that the strategy will continue with preventive and intelligence operations, focused on dismantling clandestine laboratories, securing drugs and weapons, and maintaining control over drug distribution routes throughout the country.

In conclusion, the recent deployment of federal and state operations reflects the intensification of actions against organized crime, with concrete results in seizures and detentions, severely affecting the finances of criminal groups and reinforcing security in the different regions of the country.