Background on “Los Mayos”
The “Los Mayos” is a powerful and notorious Mexican drug trafficking organization based in the western state of Jalisco. They have expanded their influence and operations into neighboring states, including Durango. Known for their involvement in manufacturing and distributing various illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, the group has been a significant player in Mexico’s ongoing drug war.
The Raid and Seizure
Federal forces conducted a successful operation in the municipality of Carricitos, Durango, resulting in the seizure of approximately 21 tons of methamphetamine from two clandestine laboratories operated by “Los Mayos.”
- The seized drugs were already processed, along with various chemical precursors:
- 1,000 liters of hydrochloric acid
- 200 liters of acetic acid
- 1,000 liters of toluene
- 200 liters of benzyl bromide
- 250 liters of P2P (1-phenyl-2-propanol)
- 575 kilograms of caustic soda
- 200 kilograms of sodium cyanide
The confiscated materials have been handed over to the Attorney General’s office for further investigation and prosecution.
Impact of the Seizure
This operation prevented over 525 million doses of methamphetamine from reaching the streets, equating to a street value of approximately 6.532 billion Mexican pesos (around 352 million USD). This seizure is considered the second-largest clandestine lab dismantled by the Mexican Navy in recent years, following a February 2024 operation in Sonora. It is also the largest confiscation of finished product by the Navy to date.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is “Los Mayos”? Los Mayos is a prominent Mexican drug trafficking organization based in Jalisco, known for its involvement in manufacturing and distributing various illicit drugs, including methamphetamine.
- What was seized in the raid? Federal forces confiscated approximately 21 tons of processed methamphetamine and various chemical precursors, including hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, toluene, benzyl bromide, P2P, caustic soda, and sodium cyanide.
- How significant is this seizure? This operation prevented over 525 million doses of methamphetamine from reaching the streets, with a street value of around 6.532 billion Mexican pesos (approximately 352 million USD). It is considered the second-largest clandestine lab dismantled by the Mexican Navy in recent years and the largest confiscation of finished product by the Navy to date.
