A Coordinated Effort Across 48 Municipalities
In an unprecedented action against the illegal theft and commercialization of water, authorities from all levels of government conducted the “Operation ‘Caudal'” to intervene 189 properties and secure over 322 water tankers used in the alleged hoarding and clandestine distribution of water across the State of Mexico.
The simultaneous deployment took place in 48 municipalities, including Ecatepec, Chalco, Tlalnepantla, Toluca, Naucalpan, Cuautitlán Izcalli, and Nezahualcóyotl. Participants included elements from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the Army (Sedena), Navy (Marina), National Guard, the State of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGJEM), and municipal corporations, supported by the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the National Intelligence Center (CNI), and the State of Mexico Water Commission (CAEM).
The objective was to disrupt the illegal water commerce chain, protect the water supply for the population, and restore legality in water distribution within the framework of the Paz Construction Coordination Table, led by Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez.
Clandestine Wells, Illegal Taps, and Overexploitation
During the investigations, the State Attorney General detected 51 wells and 138 illegal taps connected to irregular distribution networks. These were used by organizations operating under the guise of unions and cooperatives, including “USON,” “ACME,” “Los 300,” “Libertad,” “25 de Marzo,” “22 de Octubre,” and “Chokiza.”
Investigations revealed that these groups extracted and sold water without authorization, imposing prices exceeding the regulated rate by up to 59%. While the average cost for 10,000 liters of domestic use is 1,131 pesos, in municipalities like Ecatepec, Cuautitlán, and Tlalnepantla, water was sold at a markup between 32% and 59%.
Moreover, the stolen water was not properly treated (only chlorinated), posing a sanitary risk to the communities consuming it.
Arrests and Judicial Actions
The operation resulted in seven arrests for crimes related to the improper use of water, possession of prohibited weapons, and attacks against authorities. In Lerma, a man was apprehended after firing a weapon to prevent an inspection.
The State Attorney General requested 152 search warrants, with 142 authorized by specialized control judges. These were used to conduct inspections over 72 consecutive hours, locating the properties and vehicles involved in the hoarding and illegal sale scheme.
Authorities stated that penal action will be taken against union leaders, ejido commissioners, public servants, and private individuals involved in the network for crimes such as robbery, water deprivation, concealment, and abuse of authority.
Call to the Citizenry
The state government assured that the operation did not affect official infrastructure or water supply, and measures were implemented to address any hydration contingencies.
The Attorney General invited the population to report illegal water trading or any related irregularities via [email protected], by calling 800 702 8770, or through the FGJEdomex app available for iOS and Android systems.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the purpose of Operation “Caudal”? The operation aimed to disrupt illegal water commerce, protect the water supply for the population, and restore legality in water distribution.
- Which municipalities were involved in the operation? The operation took place across 48 municipalities, including Ecatepec, Chalco, Tlalnepantla, Toluca, Naucalpan, Cuautitlán Izcalli, and Nezahualcóyotl.
- How many people were arrested during the operation? Seven individuals were detained for crimes related to improper water use, possession of prohibited weapons, and attacks against authorities.
- What types of illegal activities were uncovered? Authorities discovered clandestine wells, illegal taps, and overexploitation of water resources by organized groups operating under false pretenses.
- How can citizens report illegal water trading? Citizens can report illegal water trading or related irregularities through [email protected], by calling 800 702 8770, or using the FGJEdomex app for iOS and Android systems.
