Chemicals Seized for Drug Manufacture in Sinaloa, Mexico

Web Editor

August 1, 2025

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Coordinated Operation by State and Federal Forces

On Thursday, a truck carrying chemical precursors used in the production of methamphetamine was seized in Culiacán, Sinaloa, during a joint operation by state and federal law enforcement agencies, according to the Sinaloa State Security Public Safety Secretariat (SSP).

Details of the Operation

The discovery took place on Avenida Mar de Cortés, near the La Costerita bridge, when state preventive police officers, in collaboration with Mexican Army personnel, National Guard members, the Navy Secretariat, the Federal Attorney General’s Office, and the State Attorney General’s Office, noticed a suspicious-looking freight truck.

“During routine security patrols, state police officers spotted an International brand freight truck on Avenida Mar de Cortés, near the La Costerita bridge. The vehicle was not abandoned, and officers noticed some illicit objects inside, along with an unusual odor,” reported the SSP.

Seized Materials

Inside the truck, authorities found 200 drums of lead acetate trihydrate, distributed across five tiers, each weighing approximately 25 kilograms. Additionally, they discovered 80 drums containing a white granular substance, presumed to be methamphetamine, along with 16 drums, each holding 200 liters, containing chemical precursors.

All the materials were secured and handed over to the Federal Public Ministry, which will conduct further investigations to determine the origin and intended destination of the seized substances.

Relevance of the Seizure

This significant seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of Mexican law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and their illicit activities. The chemicals confiscated are crucial precursors in the production of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and destructive drug that has devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

Sinaloa, a western Mexican state, has long been associated with drug cartels and organized crime. The region’s strategic location, coupled with its porous borders and extensive drug trafficking routes, has made it a focal point for both domestic and international drug enforcement efforts.

Impact on the Community

The seizure of these chemicals not only disrupts the production of methamphetamine but also sends a clear message to criminal organizations that their activities will not go unnoticed or unchallenged by law enforcement agencies.

Moreover, reducing the availability of methamphetamine in the region can contribute to lowering drug-related crime rates, improving public health, and enhancing the overall quality of life for Sinaloa’s residents.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What was seized during the operation? A truck carrying chemical precursors used in the production of methamphetamine, including 200 drums of lead acetate trihydrate, 80 drums of a white granular substance (presumed to be methamphetamine), and 16 drums containing chemical precursors.
  • Which agencies were involved in the operation? The operation was a joint effort by state preventive police, the Mexican Army, the National Guard, the Navy Secretariat, the Federal Attorney General’s Office, and the State Attorney General’s Office.
  • What will happen to the seized materials? The materials have been secured and handed over to the Federal Public Ministry, which will investigate their origin and intended destination.
  • Why is this seizure significant? This operation disrupts the production of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and destructive drug, and sends a clear message to criminal organizations that their activities will be met with law enforcement action.