Guillermo Valencia, leader of the PRI in Michoacan, denounced that agricultural producers in the state are being extorted by criminal cartels, who demand payment of 'narco-tariffs' to be able to do their work. Valencia explained in an interview that lemon, meat, and other crop farmers are forced to pay a fee to avoid reprisals, which can range from the burning of vehicles to murder.
According to the PRI leader, this situation of paying tariffs to organized crime is not new in Michoacan, but it has become more relevant with Donald Trump's return to the presidency of the United States. Valencia lamented that the inhabitants of the region have become accustomed to living with the violence generated by criminal groups, especially in the area known as Tierra Caliente.
This region, famous for its production of lemons, avocados, grapefruits, cucumbers, and other agricultural products, is also the scene of violent clashes between cartels competing for control of the territory. In particular, criminal organizations such as Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), Los Viagras, and Los Blancos de Troya stand out, as they have taken control of different municipalities and producing regions in Michoacan.
For example, Los Viagras have established their presence in Buenavista, Los Caballeros Templarios in Apatzingán, and a faction of the latter group, led by Miguel Ángel Gallegos, controls the region of Nueva Italia. The cartels not only extort agricultural producers but also engage in activities such as the production of synthetic drugs, creating a climate of violence and fear in the area.
