aOn Friday night, people from the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) of Mexico City, in coordination with personnel from the Attorney General’s Office (FGJ), carried out a operation in the Iztapalapa and Tláhuacla municipalities where six people were arrested, including four women and two men, and They seized more than a thousand doses of alleged narcoticalong with material related to criminal activities.
The Secretary of Citizen Security, Pablo Vázquez Camacho, reported this Saturday that Elements of the SSC and the CDMX Prosecutor’s Office executed three search warrants in Iztapalapa and Tláhuacwhere six people were arrested and they seized more than 1,100 doses of apparent drugs.
“We will continue working with intelligence and investigation to combat high-impact crimes and confront the generators of violence that cause harm to the inhabitants of Mexico City,” the official said.
The operation, which is part of the efforts to combat organized crime in Mexico City, was developed after several months of office and field investigation work, in which key data was obtained about the properties where illegal activities were allegedly carried out. .
The agents managed to identify drug sales points in the El Vergel and Purísima Atlazolpa neighborhoods, in Iztapalapa, and San Miguel Zapotitla, in Tláhuac, which allowed for a successful operational deployment.
Operational deployment and results
The first search was carried out in a property located on Avenida 11, in the El Vergel neighborhood, Iztapalapawhere a man and two women were arrested. At the scene, 315 doses of possible cocaine, 216 doses of marijuana, a kilogram of the same herb in bulk, and three jackets with insignia of a defunct federal security institution, in addition to a cell phone, were seized.
The second operation was carried out in the Purísima Atlazolpa neighborhood, also in Iztapalapawhere a woman and a man were arrested, who were found in possession of 192 doses of probable cocaine, 333 doses of marijuana and three kilograms of the same herb in bulk.
The third search was carried out in an apartment in the San Miguel Zapotitla neighborhood, in Tlahuacwhere 130 doses of cocaine, 207 doses of marijuana and one and a half kilograms of the same herb were seized, in addition to a cell phone. A woman was arrested in this house.
Detainees with criminal records
Of the six detainees, four are women between 28 and 46 years old, and two men between 27 and 32 years old. They were transferred, along with what was insured, to the Public Ministry, who will define their legal situation.
In addition, it was learned that one of the men arrested in the operation had already been involved in previous crimes, including extortion and crimes against health, with records in the years 2021 and 2024.
It was also identified that the 43-year-old woman has a criminal record related to bribery, extortion and crimes against health, which date back to 2018 and 2021.
In addition, it was reported that the properties where the searches were carried out were sealed and under police guard, to continue with the investigations and guarantee that these criminal acts are not repeated.
What strategies are being implemented by law enforcement in Mexico City to combat organized crime?
Interview for Time.news
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Ana Morales, an expert in criminology and public safety, who will help us unpack the recent series of operations by the Secretariat of Citizen Security in Mexico City, which led to the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of over a thousand doses of alleged narcotics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Morales.
Dr. Ana Morales (D): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss this important issue.
E: Let’s dive right in. The operation took place in Iztapalapa and Tláhuac, two areas known for high levels of crime. Can you shed light on why these specific neighborhoods were targeted?
D: Absolutely. Iztapalapa and Tláhuac have been identified as hotspots for drug-related activities, specifically in terms of distribution networks. The detailed intelligence gathered by the SSC and the Attorney General’s Office referred to the detection of drug sales points in neighborhoods like El Vergel and Purísima Atlazolpa. Targeting these areas is a strategic decision based on prior investigations and community reports.
E: It’s interesting to note that this operation seems to be the result of months of investigation. What does this say about the ongoing strategy of law enforcement in Mexico City?
D: It highlights a shift towards a more intelligence-driven approach. For years, reactionary measures were the norm, where law enforcement would respond to crimes after they occurred. Now, we’re seeing a proactive strategy that involves extensive groundwork—gathering intelligence, mapping out criminal activities, and targeting operations strategically.
E: You mentioned the importance of intelligence gathering. What kind of methods do you think were utilized to obtain the critical data for this operation?
D: Typically, it involves a combination of both community engagement and technical surveillance. This could include covert operations, analysis of crime patterns, and working closely with community members to gather insights. Additionally, digital forensics and monitoring communication channels can play significant roles in identifying key players within criminal organizations.
E: The Secretary of Citizen Security emphasized the commitment to combating high-impact crimes and generators of violence. How critical is the context of organized crime in Mexico for these efforts?
D: The context is paramount. Organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, has deep roots in Mexican society and directly affects public safety. When authorities act against these networks, they not only disrupt drug distribution but also tackle the violence associated with it. This operation shows an attempt to dismantle these networks, which, if successful, can have a long-term impact on community safety.
E: The operation resulted in the arrest of four women and two men. Do you find it significant that women are part of this operation?
D: Yes, definitely. The involvement of women in drug trafficking is an interesting trend. Traditionally, the drug trade has been male-dominated, but women are increasingly taking on various roles—from street-level sales to more significant positions within trafficking organizations. This reflects broader societal changes as well as evolving dynamics within criminal enterprises.
E: Lastly, what do you believe are the next steps for law enforcement following this operation?
D: Following such an operation, it’s essential for law enforcement to maintain the momentum. This means continuing their intelligence efforts, monitoring the fallout from these arrests, and working to build trust within the communities they serve. It’s also important to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, to create a more sustainable path towards safety.
E: Thank you, Dr. Morales. Your insights have certainly shed light on this crucial issue. We appreciate your time and expertise.
D: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
E: And thank you to our readers for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on criminal justice and public safety.