The Mexican Secretary of Marine (Semar) has recently reported on extensive operations carried out in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and authorities from Durango and Sinaloa. These efforts aimed to combat organized crime and resulted in the discovery and destruction of at least 207 drug laboratories from July 2023 to July 2024.
During these operations, authorities seized approximately 356,124 kilograms of methamphetamine, 509 kilograms of marijuana, and 570,043 kilograms of chemical precursors. Additionally, they eradicated four opium poppy fields, 19 marijuana plantations, and dismantled one drying facility.
The operation involved around 250 naval personnel, supported by 20 land vehicles, one helicopter, two aircraft, and four drones, which assisted the ministry staff in carrying out these missions.
In a separate effort from February to July this year, authorities in Sonora targeted clandestine laboratories dedicated to the production of synthetic drugs. A total of 12 such facilities were neutralized and destroyed, leading to the seizure of about 51,298 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1,400 kilograms of marijuana, and 193,791 kilograms of chemical precursors. The operation also involved the eradication of three opium poppy fields and 49 marijuana plantations, with 80 naval personnel, 14 land vehicles, an aircraft, and a drone deployed.
On July 22, Semar reported the identification and dismantling of the second-largest clandestine laboratory uncovered during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency. This significant operation took place in Sinaloa, specifically in the town of El Dorado, following a series of preventive actions conducted by naval forces and FGR agents.
The laboratory was found with a substantial quantity of methamphetamine, chemical precursors, and equipment used for synthesizing drugs. Located over 198 kilometers southeast of the Eighth Naval Zone in Topolobampo, authorities estimate that disrupting this operation prevented over 1.5 billion pesos in potential drug sales for the criminal organization managing the facility.
At the site, authorities secured 3,920 kilograms of methamphetamine, 28,600 liters of chemical precursors, and 2,250 kilograms of various chemicals. They also discovered numerous industrial pieces of equipment, including 28 reactors of various sizes, nine condensers, and 19 distillers, each with a capacity of 500 liters, alongside 81 30-kilogram LP gas tanks.
These coordinated actions reflect ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to address and dismantle drug trafficking operations, significantly impacting the organized crime landscape across several states. For more information on related topics, you may visit Global Drug Policy or The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2024/07/25/semar-desmantelo-207-narcolaboratorios-en-sinaloa-y-durango-en-un-ano/
