Blow to drug trafficking: Federal forces dismantle methamphetamine laboratories in Sinaloa
In a series of strategic operations carried out between September 2 and 3, Mexican federal forces achieved a historic seizure by confiscating nearly 17 tons of methamphetamine in the state of Sinaloa. The action, led by the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection in coordination with the Secretariat of the Navy and the Attorney General’s Office, allowed for the dismantling of three clandestine laboratories dedicated to the production of synthetic drugs.
The Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, highlighted that these interventions seek to weaken the operational, logistical, and financial capacity of criminal organizations. The most significant finding took place in the vicinity of Corralejo, where a 5,700-square-meter industrial complex was located, classified as the second-largest production laboratory detected during the current federal administration.
The dismantling of this main complex represents an economic impact of nearly 347 million dollars for criminal structures, directly affecting their narcotics manufacturing and distribution capacity.
Mexico Security Cabinet
Operation details and seizure figures
The tactical deployment, supported by naval intelligence efforts and the exchange of information with international agencies, yielded decisive results in three key points:
- Corralejo Complex (September 3): 16,350 kilograms of methamphetamine were secured, in addition to 4,350 liters of chemical precursors and 5,700 kilograms of solid materials for drug production.
- Corralejo Intervention (September 2): In an 800-square-meter laboratory, 300 kilograms of finished methamphetamine and various quantities of substances in the cooking process were removed.
- Corral Viejo Facility: On a 450-square-meter property, authorities seized 160 kilograms of drugs, specialized equipment, and chemical precursors.
With these three seizures, the Mexican government has dealt a resounding blow to illicit production. According to official reports, a total of five laboratories have been disabled in recent weeks, removing approximately 18.2 tons of methamphetamine and more than 10 tons of chemical precursors from circulation, which translates to a financial loss for criminal networks exceeding 400 million dollars.
Although the operation was of great magnitude and managed to dismantle the industrial-scale production infrastructure, the authorities did not report any people detained during the interventions on the properties in Sinaloa. All seized material and disabled laboratories were placed at the disposal of the ministerial authorities to continue with the legal investigations.
The government of Mexico reaffirmed that these actions are part of its National Security Strategy, which prioritizes cutting supply chains and dismantling production centers as a mechanism to curb the trafficking of synthetic drugs in the country.
