The Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection reported that in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, Customs, and the Navy Secretariat, an illegal shipment of 5 tons of mercury was seized at the Port of Manzanillo, Colima. This type of substance is regulated by the Minamata Convention, which seeks to reduce its environmental impact.
The illegal handling of mercury in Mexico is punishable under the Federal Penal Code with sentences of 1 to 9 years in prison and fines of 300 to 3,000 days of minimum wage. This finding is relevant as another shipment of almost 3 tons of mercury was detected at the same port just four months ago, destined for Bolivia.
The recent accusation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury against the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel for its involvement in illegal mining of mercury and uranium in the states of Mexico and Guerrero adds greater significance to this seizure.
Mercury is a highly toxic substance that poses serious risks to human health and the environment. During a routine inspection, it was found that the mercury lacked the necessary environmental permit for its exportation, infringing on national laws and international treaties.
Exposure to mercury can cause neurological, renal, digestive damages, and other serious health issues, according to Semarnat. This is the second seizure of this hazardous material in the last four months and reinforces the importance of regulating its transport and handling properly.
