Background on the Operation
Since February 5, as part of “Operation Frontera North,” following threats by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Mexico if drug flow, particularly fentanyl, was not curtailed, authorities have seized 44,953.5 kilograms of drugs, including 282.89 kilograms of fentanyl.
Key Seizures
Among the recent operations, a truck carrying 68.84 kilograms of methamphetamine and two packages weighing 2.5 kilograms of cocaine was confiscated in Tijuana.
In Mexicali, three individuals were detained, and 44 kilograms of methamphetamine and 26 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated.
Other seizures took place in Guaymas (12.5 kilograms of cocaine, nine kilograms of methamphetamine, and 500 grams of marijuana) and Cajeme, Sonora (1,440 doses of methamphetamine, four sealing machines, and a gram scale).
Weapons Seizures
According to data released by the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection since February 5, up to July 13, 4,315 weapons have been confiscated.
It’s estimated that approximately 200,000 illegal weapons enter Mexico annually, equating to around 538 firearms daily.
In the period from February 5 to July 13, roughly 86,584 firearms would have entered the country illegally, mostly through border armories with Mexico. This operation managed to secure only 5% of the total weaponry destined for organized crime cells.
During this period, 693,773 bullets of various calibers and 20,487 gun magazines were also seized.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is “Operation Frontera North”? It’s a joint effort by Mexican authorities, initiated on February 5 in response to US President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs on Mexico if drug flow, especially fentanyl, was not controlled.
- What types of drugs have been seized? Methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl have been the primary drugs confiscated during this operation.
- How many weapons have been seized? Since February 5, approximately 4,315 weapons have been confiscated under this operation.
- What is the estimated number of illegal weapons entering Mexico annually? Around 200,000 illegal weapons are estimated to enter Mexico each year.
- What percentage of illegal weapons does this operation account for? The operation has secured only about 5% of the total illegal weapons entering Mexico annually.
