Recent Naval Operations Against Los Mayos in Sinaloa
Overview of the Naval Operations
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the Navy of Mexico has dismantled several clandestine drug laboratories linked to Los Mayos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Over a span of less than two weeks, naval forces successfully dismantled five drug labs, seizing more than 6,350 kilograms of methamphetamine. The cumulative economic impact on organized crime is estimated to exceed 1.138 billion pesos.
Locations and Dates of Operations
These operations took place across three municipalities: Culiacán, Rosario, and Cosalá. They were conducted on two separate dates: May 21 and May 28. During each operation, all production equipment and related supplies were disabled to prevent reuse by criminal groups.
Impact on Los Mayos
The recent actions by the Navy have dealt substantial financial blows to Los Mayos. On May 28, two laboratories in The Boards and Corralejo, both within Culiacán, resulted in an estimated loss of 214 million pesos to the faction. Altogether, authorities confiscated approximately 2,350 kilograms of synthetic drugs, 13,100 liters, and 2,175 kilograms of chemicals and materials.
Detailed Breakdown of Seizures
The Boards Laboratory:
- Seized: 1,700 kilograms of methamphetamine
- Equipment: Distiller, centrifuge machines, and multiple large-capacity vats.
Corralejo Laboratory:
- Seized: 650 kilograms of synthetic drugs and various chemicals.
Earlier Operations on May 21
On May 21, the Navy dismantled three additional clandestine laboratories in The Haros (Rosario municipality) and The Cedritos (Cosalá municipality). In this operation, more than 4,000 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized, leading to an estimated impact of over 923 million pesos on organized crime.
Key Findings from May 21
The Haros Laboratory:
- Seized: 4,000 kilograms of methamphetamine along with liquid chemical precursors.
The Cedritos Laboratories:
- One lab contained 400 liters of acetic acid, while another had 200 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Connection to Ismael Zambada Sicairos
The operations are reportedly linked to Ismael Zambada Sicairos, also known as “El Mayito Flaco”, who has taken the reins of Los Mayos after the arrest of his father, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García, in July 2024. Under his leadership, Los Mayos have engaged in an ongoing battle against rival factions, particularly Los Chapitos.
Conclusion
The Navy’s recent actions signify an aggressive and strategic approach towards combating organized crime in Sinaloa, particularly targeted at dismantling the drug trade operations of Los Mayos. As the battle against drug trafficking escalates, the economic repercussions for factions like Los Mayos could be a crucial turning point in the ongoing conflict for control over drug routes and distribution networks in Mexico.