In a series of extensive operations throughout Sinaloa, Mexican federal forces have seized significant quantities of drugs, weapons, and other illicit items, underscoring the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime in the region. On May 7, 2025, the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC) reported a comprehensive inspection at the "El Castillo" Penitentiary in Mazatlán, revealing a cache of drugs and contraband.
The operation involved personnel from the National Guard, the Mexican Army, and State Police, all working together to ensure security and order within the prison system. Among the findings in the Mazatlán facility were drugs, cigarettes, machetes, cell phones, modems, and various other illegal items. Authorities reported a total of 201 sharp objects, two marijuana shredders, 16 cell phones, four modems, eight USB drives, and three cell phone chips were confiscated during the inspection.
But the crackdown didn’t stop there. In Navolato, the Army detained two men who were found in possession of long guns, chargers, and cartridges. Meanwhile, in Teacapán, the Navy and SSP secured additional long guns, cartridges, loaded chargers, and tactical vests, further showcasing the extensive efforts to combat arms trafficking in the area.
Earlier, on May 6, 2025, another operation at the Aguaruto prison in Culiacán yielded even more alarming discoveries. Authorities uncovered machetes, pistols, portable radios, modems, and cash. The haul included seven short weapons, 240 sharp objects, 86 cell phones, six portable radios, and ten modems, indicating a serious breach of security within the facility.
In a related effort, elements of the Defense Ministry secured 1,550 liters of substances used for methamphetamine production in Cosalá, along with reactors and condensers. This seizure represents a significant financial blow to criminal organizations, with an estimated economic impact of 33 million pesos.
These operations highlight the persistent issue of narcomenudeo, or petty drug dealing, which has become deeply entrenched in Mexican society. This phenomenon involves the distribution, sale, and supply of drugs in small quantities, usually within local communities. It is often controlled by organized crime groups, making it a significant public safety concern.
During April 2025, the Fiscalía General del Estado de Sinaloa undertook a major operation that led to the arrest of 18 individuals for their alleged involvement in petty drug dealing. According to reports, ten of these arrests were made in the act by the Unidad Especializada en Investigación de Narcomenudeo (UNEIN), while the remaining eight were apprehended by various authorities and later handed over to the Fiscalía.
The arrests were spread across different regions of Sinaloa, with three cases recorded in the Northern Zone, six in the Central Zone, and nine in the Southern Zone. In total, authorities seized more than 1,600 doses of various illicit substances, emphasizing the diverse range of drugs available in the area.
The narcotics confiscated included 286 bags and 197 wrappers of marijuana, 654 marijuana cigarettes, 78 wrappers and 21 bags of crystal meth, 69 wrappers and 64 bags of cocaine, and 322 bags of methamphetamine. Additionally, authorities discovered products made with marijuana, such as three bars of chocolate and one wrapper of gummies, along with four glass cartridges containing an amber-colored liquid and a glass jar with a yellow granular substance.
In terms of material assets, the Fiscalía reported the seizure of two cars and one motorcycle during these operations, further illustrating the extensive network involved in drug trafficking.
These actions are part of a broader strategy by the authorities to combat drug trafficking and distribution in Sinaloa, a state that has long been a focal point of drug-related violence and crime. The Fiscalía General del Estado de Sinaloa has emphasized the importance of these operations in reducing the impact of narcomenudeo on local communities, stating that they will continue to develop operations in various areas of the state to dismantle distribution networks and ensure public safety.
As the Mexican government intensifies its efforts to combat drug-related crime, the situation in Sinaloa remains critical. The persistent threat posed by organized crime groups continues to challenge law enforcement agencies, necessitating ongoing vigilance and robust responses.
In summary, the recent operations in Sinaloa reveal not only the scale of drug trafficking and organized crime in the region but also the concerted efforts by federal and state authorities to combat these issues. The findings from the various inspections and operations underscore the importance of maintaining security and public safety in communities affected by drug-related activities.
