Javier May governor of Tabasco linked to Hernan Bermudez former Secretary of Security of the then president Adam Augusto Lopez as alleged commander of the criminal group “La Barredora”.
This Wednesday, at a press conference, May Rodríguez suggested the connection of the former López Hernández and Carlos Merino official with organized crime.
Here it was vox populi who commanded “La Barredora” or do we not know? questioned the press
-Hernán Bermúdez, commented another assistant
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Due to the above, the Tabasco president pointed out that “those who were there before” must explain the situation.
Besides, He stressed that his administration is not going to agree with criminals.
This is because in recent days banners have appeared in which criminals ask Víctor Hugo Chávez, current head of the state Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSyPC), and Héctor Morán, commander of the 30th Military Zone, to “let them work” :
“There is a whole media campaign of tarps and blankets that they put up, where they ask that ‘we let them work’ (…) we are never going to agree with organized crime. “There will be zero impunity and we will address the causes.”
For this reason, he insisted that his predecessors – both Moreno supporters – must explain whether they have data regarding whether or not there were pacts with criminals, above all because, he presumed, during his campaign he visited the entire entity, and was told that:
“There was a floor fee charge, which was charged to the inns, to the merchants (…) they told us that they were charged weekly, they had to pay.”
Bermúdez Requena was appointed to Public Security in December 2019 by the then governor of Tabasco, Adán Augusto López; The state official had already been identified for alleged links to organized crime, both in “narcomantas” and in alleged leaked documents in which he realizes that he freed criminals after negotiating with them.
“La Barredora” is a local criminal group that maintains a struggle for control of the territory with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
For his part, the commander of the Military Zone indicated that “he was not going to play the game of answering a coward.”
CSAS
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How can community engagement improve the relationship between citizens and law enforcement in areas affected by organized crime?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Security Expert
Time.News Editor: Welcome to Time.News, and thank you for joining us today. We have with us a prominent expert in criminal justice and organized crime, Dr. Elena Garcia. Dr. Garcia, we’ve seen some alarming news coming out of Tabasco recently involving Governor Javier May and allegations linking former security officials to organized crime. What’s your take on these developments?
Dr. Elena Garcia: Thank you for having me. The situation in Tabasco is quite concerning. The allegations that Hernán Bermúdez, former Secretary of Security, is associated with a criminal group known as “La Barredora” suggest a deeply rooted issue within the state’s security apparatus. It raises questions about the effectiveness of leadership and oversight in combating organized crime.
Editor: Indeed, Governor May made some strong statements during a recent press conference, emphasizing that his administration will not align with criminals. Do you think this rhetoric is enough to combat the influence of organized crime in regions like Tabasco?
Dr. Garcia: Words are powerful, but they need to be backed up by action. The governor is right to distance himself from criminals, but the real test will be his administration’s ability to implement systemic changes. Previous administrations may have fostered an environment where criminal elements could thrive. Investigating these connections deeply and ensuring accountability will be crucial for regaining public trust.
Editor: The press is buzzing with the idea that figures like Hernán Bermúdez had significant control over criminal activities. Do you believe this reflects a larger trend in Mexican politics where criminal organizations infiltrate official sectors?
Dr. Garcia: Absolutely. What we are witnessing is sadly a normalization of crime within political structures. The involvement of high-ranking officials with organized crime groups is a reflection of systemic corruption. It’s not just about one individual—it’s indicative of a broader, pervasive issue that needs comprehensive solutions, including better education, economic opportunities, and strict enforcement of laws.
Editor: And what about the banners that have been appearing recently, demanding accountability from current officials? How should the government respond to these challenges from criminal elements?
Dr. Garcia: The government needs to approach this with a mix of transparency and strength. Ignoring such threats only emboldens criminal organizations. They should engage with community leaders and establish a clear communication channel to reassure the public while also taking decisive action against criminal influence. This may include reforming police forces and ensuring that they operate free of corruption.
Editor: as an expert, what recommendations would you give to local governments facing similar situations to maintain trust and safety among their citizens?
Dr. Garcia: Local governments must prioritize integrity and transparency. Establishing independent oversight committees can help monitor law enforcement agencies and prevent collusion with criminal groups. Engaging with the communities, providing education, and creating economic opportunities are essential to undermine the foundational support that criminal organizations have among local populations. Most importantly, any efforts must be consistent, as building trust takes time but is vital for long-term success.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Garcia. Your insights are invaluable, and we hope to see positive changes in Tabasco and other regions affected by organized crime.
Dr. Garcia: Thank you for having me! It’s a crucial conversation, and I hope more people start to pay attention to these issues.