The Mexican Army has reported a significant drug bust, seizing over four tonnes of methamphetamine in a series of raids across Sinaloa state. This region, notorious for drug cartel violence, was the target of army operations that uncovered clandestine drug laboratories and warehouses.
Soldiers conducted raids in Higueras de Abuya, a village approximately 75km south of Culiacán, the state capital. According to an army spokesperson, the sheer volume of the synthetic drug, commonly known as crystal meth, seized represents a major setback for the criminal organization operating these labs. The operation underscores the ongoing efforts of the Mexican military to combat drug trafficking within the country.
Mexican army personnel in protective suits inspect a meth lab in Higueras de Abuya, Sinaloa.
This large-scale seizure of the highly potent stimulant occurs shortly after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum engaged with US President Donald Trump to avert the imposition of a 25% tariff on Mexican imports to the United States. A key point of contention for the US tariffs was the flow of illegal drugs from Mexico into the US. President Trump had previously accused the Mexican government of harboring an “intolerable alliance” with drug trafficking organizations.
While troop deployments to Sinaloa were already in motion prior to the tariff dispute, this substantial methamphetamine seizure provides a timely demonstration of the Mexican government’s commitment to tackling drug cartels and addressing US concerns. The actions of the Mexican army in Sinaloa are crucial in the broader context of US-Mexico relations and the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Hamlet Toledo, the army’s deputy operative chief of the general staff, informed reporters that in addition to the four tonnes seized this weekend, another significant meth stash was secured the previous week, bringing the total haul to over five tonnes. General Toledo noted that one of the raided warehouses appeared to have been recently occupied by 15 to 20 individuals, believed to have fled before the Mexican army units arrived.
The discovery of these drug labs was initiated when soldiers noticed stockpiles of precursor chemicals outside the properties, raising suspicions and leading to the subsequent raids. This operation highlights the Mexican army’s proactive approach in identifying and dismantling drug production facilities, contributing to the larger strategy against organized crime and drug trafficking in Mexico.
