In one joint operation in Atizapan of ZaragozaState of Mexico, federal, state and municipal authorities detained 11 personasamong them four minors for flagrante delicto and with an ongoing investigation for high impact crimes.
Elements of the Attorney General’s Office of the State of MexicoSecretariat of the Navy, Secretariat of State Security and Directorate of Public Security and Municipal Transit of Atizapán de Zaragoza carried out mobilizations at different points in the municipality in which the arrests were made.
The 11 individuals are investigated for crimes against health, trafficking and collection of weapons for the exclusive use of the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as improper use of uniforms, insignia, badges and decorations.
Identified as Nelson “N” aged 21, Jorge Fausto “N” aged 32, Cristopher “N” aged 21, José Miguel “N” aged 40, Juan Carlos “N” aged 29, Cynthia Yarelli “N” aged 30 years old and Reyna “N” alias “La Chilanga” 34; as well as 4 teenagers, allegedly belong to a criminal cell originating in the state of Michoacan.
During the arrest they were arrested bags with narcotics glass-like, scales, a firearm and a vehicle Renault brand, Megane type, as well as clothing from a federal corporation.
The detainees were presented before the agent of the Public Ministry who integrates the corresponding investigation to put them at the disposal of a judge who will resolve their legal situationwhile the Prosecutor’s Office of the State of Mexico continues the investigations to prove the participation of the detainees in other criminal acts as homicides perpetrated in the entity.
#Results. Results of a joint operation, the #FiscalíaEdoméx, @SEMAR_mx, @SS_Edomex and Directorate of Public Security and Municipal Transit of #AtizapánDeZaragozathey arrested 11 people, four of them minors, investigated for their probable intervention in… pic.twitter.com/D5FSOdPYTm
— Edoméx Prosecutor’s Office (@FiscaliaEdomex) November 23, 2024
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What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement in combatting organized crime in Mexico?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Crime and Security Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we’re diving into a recent joint operation in Atizapan de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, where authorities arrested 11 individuals, including four minors. I’m here with Dr. Luis Mendoza, an expert in criminal justice and security studies. Dr. Mendoza, can you shed some light on the significance of this operation?
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me. This operation is quite significant as it highlights a coordinated effort among various levels of law enforcement—federal, state, and local—working together to combat organized crime. The fact that they managed to detain individuals involved in high-impact crimes demonstrates an essential move towards tackling these pervasive issues.
Editor: Absolutely. The report mentions that the detainees are being investigated for crimes against health, weapon trafficking, and even the improper use of military uniforms. How prevalent are these issues in Mexico, and what do they indicate about organized crime in the country?
Dr. Mendoza: These crimes are unfortunately prevalent, particularly in regions like Michoacan and the State of Mexico. Organized crime groups often engage in drug trafficking, arms dealing, and other illicit activities to sustain their operations. The improper use of military insignia, for example, not only signifies their connection to these serious crimes but also undermines the authority of law enforcement and military institutions. It’s a troubling trend that shows how deeply embedded these criminal organizations are in certain communities.
Editor: The article specifies that the detainees allegedly have connections to a criminal cell from Michoacan. Can you elaborate on the role that geographic connections play in organized crime?
Dr. Mendoza: Geographic connections are crucial in understanding organized crime dynamics. Michoacan is notorious for being a hub of drug production and trafficking, largely due to its geographical advantages and co-opted local institutions. Criminal cells often expand their operations into neighboring states like Mexico State, establishing networks that can facilitate drug distribution, extortion, and violence. These connections can empower groups, providing them with resources and protection, which is why law enforcement must not only target these groups locally but on a broader level as well.
Editor: During the arrests, authorities seized several items, including narcotics, a firearm, and even clothing from a federal corporation. What does this seizure tell us about the operational methods of these criminal groups?
Dr. Mendoza: The items confiscated provide critical insight into the operational sophistication of such groups. The presence of firearms and narcotics indicates that they are involved in drug trafficking on an aggressive scale. The fact that they possess uniforms from a federal corporation also suggests they may be employing tactics of impersonation to evade capture and intimidate the community. This level of resourcefulness emphasizes the need for law enforcement to adapt continuously in their strategies to combat these organizations.
Editor: Lastly, with four minors among those detained, what does this say about the recruitment practices of criminal organizations?
Dr. Mendoza: The involvement of minors is deeply concerning and speaks to the opportunistic nature of these criminal organizations. They often target vulnerable youth in impoverished areas, luring them in with promises of money or a sense of belonging. This trend not only damages the fabric of communities but also raises ethical and policy concerns about how society addresses youth crime and vulnerability. It highlights the critical need for community support programs to deter young people from seeking refuge in organized crime.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for your insights. It’s clear that the complexities of organized crime require a multi-faceted response. We appreciate your expertise on this pressing issue.
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope it raises awareness of the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime in Mexico.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to explore critical issues affecting our world today.