In a significant operation, Mexico’s navy has arrested 23 individuals in what is being described as the largest drug bust in the country's history. Officials announced the seizure of 8,361 kilograms of illicit cargo off the southwestern Pacific coast, a record for a maritime operation in Mexico.
The Ministry of the Navy stated on Friday that the seized drugs, valued at approximately 2.099 billion pesos (about $105 million), were distributed among six small boats, including one submersible vessel. However, the authorities did not specify the exact type of drugs involved.
In addition to the drugs, the operation also resulted in the confiscation of 8,700 liters of fuel and six boats near Lazaro Cardenas in Michoacan state, as well as further south off the coast of Guerrero state. The navy confirmed that the detainees were informed of their rights, and the seized items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
The operation, which took place “days ago,” involved surface units supported by a helicopter, showcasing a coordinated effort by the navy. This latest bust follows a report from August 23, when authorities intercepted around seven tonnes of drugs in separate operations within the same region.
Historically, the largest drug seizure in Mexico occurred in November 2007, when 23 tonnes of Colombian cocaine were confiscated. The navy emphasized that this recent operation marks the largest amount of drugs seized during a maritime operation in its history.
The U.S. government has been urging Mexico to enhance its measures against drug trafficking, while Mexico is advocating for more efforts from the U.S. to curb the flow of firearms that empower criminal groups within its borders.
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