Latest news with #Michoacan
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Mexico seizes 42 tonnes of meth in major drug lab raids amid US pressure
MEXICO CITY, June 10 — Mexico announced Monday the seizure of nearly 42 metric tonnes of methamphetamine worth more than US$50 million (RM212 million) during raids on illegal drug labs. The discovery, one of the biggest yet, comes as the Latin American nation faces mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump to curb drug trafficking. The seizures were conducted after personnel found five properties used as clandestine laboratories in the western state of Michoacan, a government statement said. The seizure represented a loss of 1.06 billion pesos (US$55.7 million) to the traffickers, it estimated. Drums containing around 8,800 litres of chemical precursors were also seized along with other drug production materials, it said. Mexico has showcased a series of major drug discoveries in an apparent attempt to highlight increased efforts to combat drug smuggling. Trump has cited trafficking of illegal drugs — particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl — as one of the reasons for the tariffs he has imposed on imports from Mexico. In October, the Mexican navy announced that it had seized more than 8.3 tonnes of drugs found in vessels off the Pacific coast — a record for a single operation at sea. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Mexican criminal groups are the main suppliers of methamphetamine to the United States, using chemicals that are mostly sourced from China. In April last year, the head of Mexico's criminal investigation agency described the country as the 'champion' of production of synthetic drugs including methamphetamine. The illicit activity had been 'the source of the greatest wealth and power' for Mexican criminal organisations, Felipe de Jesus Gallo said. He later withdrew his remarks and apologized after the government objected. — AFP
CBS News
29-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
6 soldiers killed, 2 wounded by bomb explosion in Mexico cartel bastion
Why Trump is pushing military help for Mexico to help fight cartels Why Trump is pushing military help for Mexico Why Trump is pushing military help for Mexico An explosive device killed six soldiers and wounded two others in a western Mexican region wracked by drug cartel violence, an official military report seen by AFP on Wednesday said. The blast late Tuesday near a town in Michoacan state destroyed the armored vehicle in which the troops were traveling, according to the internal document. Military planes and helicopters were deployed to help the casualties, it said. President Claudia Sheinbaum described the deaths as "deplorable" and expressed solidarity with the victims. Warring criminals in the region have a history of planting improvised landmines and attacking security forces with explosive-laden drones. Several soldiers have been killed in similar explosions in the past. Criminal violence, most of it linked to drug trafficking, has claimed around 480,000 lives in Mexico since 2006 and left more than 120,000 people missing. U.S. President Donald Trump has designated six Mexican drug trafficking groups terrorist organizations, fueling speculation that he might order military strikes against them. Michoacan, where the deadly bombing took place, has been plagued by violence as a turf war rages between the influential Jalisco New Generation drug cartel and local criminal groups. Last month, gunmen seized cargo trucks and set them on fire on a highway connecting Mexico City to Guadalajara, before police reported at least 18 similar cases in the neighboring states of Michoacan and Guanajuato. A Michoacan police source told AFP on condition of anonymity that the attacks were a reaction by Jalisco New Generation to a military operation in the area. Last August, Michoacan's chief prosecutor confirmed that gunmen linked to drug cartels shot to death seven members of the community police force in the town of Coahuayana. The influence of cartels has also infiltrated communities in the area. In December, a sign in a town in Michoacan was posted thanking a cartel leader — who has a $15 million bounty on his head in the U.S. — for holiday season presents for children. The message at a Christmas fair thanked Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera — better known by his nickname "El Mencho" — for the gifts.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Tragedy as footballer, 15, collapses to floor and dies in ambulance as club release devastating statement
A TEENAGE football prodigy in Mexico has tragically died on the field during a tournament. Atziri Ledif Galeana Valencia, 15, suddenly collapsed midway through a match on Saturday afternoon. The teenager was playing in the final of a girls' tournament between Toriz and Chivas. Mexico is currently dealing with a heatwave, with temperatures as high as 34 degrees Celsius recorded during the match in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan state. Valencia collapsed with suspected heatstroke, per NeedToKnow. On-site medics rushed onto the field with an ambulance was called to the scene. Valencia was given CPR and oxygen, as well as cold compresses to cool her down. The Chivas star was rushed to a nearby hospital but was tragically pronounced dead on arrival. Organisers of the tournament suspended the match in the wake of the incident, with action on Sunday also called off. The Michoacan State Prosecutor's Office is investigating to see if health and safety protocol was correctly followed. A spokesperson for Chivas said in a statement: "The Chivas family is going through its hardest moment as we say goodbye to our beloved Atziri Galeana. "You will live on in our hearts - you left an unforgettable mark on your teammates, coaching staff, supporters, and the entire club. "Until we meet again to play an even more beautiful final, rest in peace, champion. "Celebrate up there - you're leaving us as the true champion you are. "We'll carry this title in our hearts forever - for you, our warrior."
Washington Post
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Washington Post
The first storm of the eastern Pacific hurricane season may form next week
Hurricane season in the eastern Pacific Ocean started on May 15. There is a 60 percent chance that first storm of the season may form offshore west of Mexico in the middle of next week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If a system forms, it will probably be far enough offshore for Mexico to avoid major impacts, but residents in the region should keep a close eye on forecasts, particularly those in the states of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco, in case they change.
Reuters
17-05-2025
- Reuters
Mexican security forces kill 12, arrest 9 in raid on alleged gang site
MEXICO CITY, May 17 (Reuters) - Mexican security forces detained nine alleged members of a criminal group and killed 12 others in an operation in a rural part of southwestern Mexico on Saturday, Mexico's Security Ministry said. In a post on social media, Security Minister Omar Harfuch confirmed three members of the Navy were injured in the Navy-led operation in Huitzontla, Michoacan. The detained individuals are linked to crimes such as homicide, extortion, and kidnapping, Harfuch said. Criminal groups in the area are tied to maritime drug trafficking and naval personnel found weapons and tactical equipment at the site, the Security Ministry said in a statement. Security forces came up against "strong aggression" which "necessitated the use of force in compliance with current regulations," the ministry said. Mexican newspapers El Universal and La Jornada reported that the group was part of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel gang, one of Mexico's two major drug cartels. The U.S. government designated the cartel a terrorist organization in February.
