Joint Federal and State Forces Seize Drugs, Chemicals, and Arrest Suspects
A coordinated operation by federal and state law enforcement agencies led to the seizure of an illegal methamphetamine laboratory in Morelia, Michoacán. The operation also resulted in the arrest of two suspected members of a criminal cell and the confiscation of approximately 800 kilograms of synthetic drugs and chemical precursors.
Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, reported that elements from the Michoacán State Attorney General’s office and security personnel were fired upon while traveling through the Heriberto Castillo Martínez neighborhood. This incident prompted a pursuit of one of the attackers, who attempted to hide in a nearby residence.
The participating agencies included the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), the Navy Secretariat (Semar), the National Guard, the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), as well as the State Attorney General’s office and Police of Michoacán.
Key Actions and Findings
- Discovery of the Lab: Upon entering the residence where one suspect attempted to hide, security forces found a short firearm, live ammunition, chemical containers, tools for manufacturing synthetic drugs, a vehicle, and individual doses of crystal meth.
- Arrests: Two men, aged 19 and 20, were detained in connection with the illegal lab.
- Dismantling of the Lab: The operation successfully located and shut down the methamphetamine production facility.
Additional Cases Across Mexico
The Security Gabinete reported a series of operations from July 18 to 20 in 15 states, resulting in significant seizures of drugs, weapons, vehicles, cash, and chemical precursors as part of the National Security Strategy.
Notable Cases
- Baja California: Authorities found 11 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,000 liters along with 125 kilograms of chemicals used in its production during a raid in Tijuana.
- Estado de México: In a courier company at Toluca International Airport, 34 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a box bound for Malaysia were discovered, estimated to be worth around 9.5 million pesos.
- Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico City: Marines intercepted 22.5 kilograms of cocaine and 1.3 kilograms of marijuana during customs inspections.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was involved in the operation? The operation involved joint efforts from federal and state agencies, including Sedena, Semar, the National Guard, FGR, SSPC, Michoacán’s State Attorney General’s office, and Police.
- What was seized during the operation? Approximately 800 kilograms of synthetic drugs and chemical precursors were confiscated, along with firearms, tools for drug manufacturing, and vehicles.
- How many suspects were arrested? Two suspected members of a criminal cell were detained.
- What other significant cases occurred across Mexico? Authorities seized large quantities of drugs, weapons, and chemical precursors in Baja California, Estado de México, and at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City.
