After President-elect Donald Trump pledged to impose tariffs on Mexico and pressured newly elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to halt the facilitation of illegal border crossings, Mexican authorities made significant breakthroughs in combating drug cartels and criminal activities.
Sheinbaum stated that the operations had been in progress for some time, though segments of the Mexican media attributed the success to Trump, accusing Sheinbaum of potentially being complicit with cartel corruption.
In a series of posts, Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Civilian Protection, highlighted a historic drug bust in Sinaloa. Authorities confiscated 1,100 kilograms of fentanyl—the largest seizure ever recorded. Considering two milligrams of fentanyl is a lethal dose, the seizure equates to over 453 million lethal doses, sufficient to kill the populations of both the U.S. and Mexico. Additional arrests were made, along with the confiscation of firearms.
“These actions will continue until violence in Sinaloa decreases,” Harfuch affirmed.
Later, he announced the arrest of Adrián “N,” known as “El Gallero,” connected to the massive fentanyl seizure. Harfuch added that investigations in the region remain ongoing.
The crackdown extended beyond narcotics, as five foreign nationals were apprehended on charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They were allegedly part of a network involved in drug dealing and linked to two femicides in Tlalpan earlier this year. Harfuch revealed that the operations were coordinated across multiple agencies, including the Mexican Navy, National Guard, and Attorney General’s Office.
Sheinbaum held a press conference, emphasizing that the investigations had been underway for a long time and the busts were the result of persistent efforts.
Further arrests followed. Among those detained was a leader of a violent criminal group in Culiacán and several associates. Confiscated items included firearms and drugs. Harfuch stated that authorities continue to prioritize reducing violence in the region.
Mexican media has speculated on the timing and motivations behind these actions, with some suggesting they stem from Trump’s influence. Critics argue that Mexican officials may be entangled with cartel operations. Notably, journalist Anabel Hernandez has alleged that both Sheinbaum and former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador received cartel money, claims that both leaders deny.
Hernandez has reportedly obtained evidence, including testimony from Jesús Zambada García, a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, asserting that campaign funds were supplied by the cartel. Meanwhile, reports from LatinUS accuse Sheinbaum of operating as part of a “real estate cartel,” claims she has dismissed as political attacks.
The ongoing busts and arrests highlight the complexities of Mexico’s battle against organized crime, with the shadow of U.S. political pressure looming large over these developments.
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