As part of Mexico’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and cartels, naval personnel recently neutralized a clandestine laboratory in Chacala, Durango. The operation revealed the presence of over 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine, with thousands of liters and kilos of chemical precursors also seized, according to navy officials.
The raid was captured on video; naval personnel wearing hazmat suits inspected containers filled with various substances while others showed dozens of sealed units throughout an outdoor area. It appeared tanks and other canisters were present. The navy disabled the lab infrastructure to prevent reuse of its contents, which were estimated to be worth over $265 million.
Notably, this operation follows a few days in January where four clandestine laboratories were raided across Durango. In one such incident, chemical precursors worth an astounding amount were discovered by land patrol forces. Authorities also seized more than 1,650 pounds of meth and additional stockpiles of precursor chemicals in Sinaloa, home to the notorious cartels that share the region’s name.
Across Michoacán, another significant haul included numerous batches of chemical precursors and laboratory equipment. In stark contrast, after a military operation resulted in the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” violence erupted across Mexico.
Oseguera’s death triggered days-long roadblocks with burning vehicles, which are commonly used by cartels to hinder operations. Airline flights were suspended in some areas, and schools were closed on Monday due to safety concerns. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is considered one of the most powerful and rapidly expanding criminal organizations in Mexico.
A source briefed about the operation described it as a culmination of intensified cooperation between U.S.-Mexico efforts against cartels. Intelligence sharing has markedly increased recently, though no American personnel were involved during the raid. This latest operation marks an important juncture in ongoing security measures to curb drug trafficking and cartel activities within Mexican territories.