Mexican authorities arrest 32 people in 38 raids across Estado de México and Mexico City, Digi Mart USA News (Estado de México, Mexico): Federal and state security agencies carried out 38 raids on properties in municipalities of Estado de México and boroughs of Mexico City, resulting in the arrest of 32 people, including leaders of criminal cells. The operations were conducted under the National Strategy Against Extortion and followed three lines of investigation related to drug crimes and the illegal extraction, transfer, storage and sale of liquefied petroleum gas (gas L.P.).
The participating agencies included the Secretariat of National Defense, the Secretariat of the Navy, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the National Guard, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, the Estado de México Security Secretariat and State Attorney General’s Office, the municipal police of Ecatepec and Nezahualcóyotl, and Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex). The operations drew on information from the National Intelligence Center.
In the first action in Ecatepec, two raids led to the arrest of four people, including Miguel “N,” identified as the leader of a cell dedicated to extortion and drug crimes. Authorities seized five firearms, ammunition, three magazines, four cell phones and quantities of drugs.
The second action was the result of months of investigation and involved 21 raids, 19 in Estado de México and two in Mexico City, targeting properties linked to a cell led by Luis Humberto “N” operating in the eastern zone of both entities. The group was allegedly involved in extortion, street-level drug dealing, arms trafficking, property seizure and homicide.
Sixteen people were arrested, including Luis Humberto “N” and two members of a Nezahualcóyotl municipal security force. Authorities also seized firearms, magazines, ammunition, drugs, cash, telephone equipment, vehicles and properties.
The third action involved 15 raids on properties linked to a cell led by Luis Gabriel “N,” who was identified as responsible for organizing and coordinating the illegal extraction, transfer, storage and sale of gas L.P. in municipalities of Estado de México.
Luis Gabriel “N” and 11 others were detained. Authorities seized 178,000 liters of gas L.P., 24 tanker trucks, various gas cylinders, hydrocarbon storage tanks, four long guns, six handguns, magazines, ammunition, drugs, 58 vehicles (three of them high-end), telephone and computer equipment, and information storage devices.
The detained individuals were read their rights and, together with the seized items, were placed at the disposal of the corresponding public prosecutors, who will determine their legal status. The properties were sealed and placed under the custody of authorities.
The institutions said the intelligence and investigation work will continue to detain those responsible for violence, dismantle criminal structures, combat extortion and protect the safety and assets of families.
