The governor of Puebla, Alejandro Armenta Mier, pointed out that criminal groups have been "entrenched" in the state for more than seven years. He mentioned that in previous administrations there was protection for fuel thieves, which allowed the growth of these criminal gangs. He emphasized that criminal structures took advantage of the protection of rulers and authorities in a past six-year term, during which Puebla became the top state in hydrocarbon theft.
Armenta Mier recalled that during that period, a police director protected those who looted pipelines. However, he stressed that under the current administration, these corrupt practices have no place and that combating crime remains a complex challenge. Facundo Rosas, who served as head of Public Security in Puebla from 2013 to 2015, was arrested for his links to gangs involved in fuel theft.
The governor emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy toward any illegal acts and affirmed that there will be no impunity. He noted that authorities are still working on the investigation and tracking of criminal groups, using technology and strategies that cannot be disclosed for security reasons. Armenta Mier warned about the risks stemming from the decisions of electoral bodies favoring candidates with alleged ties to organized crime.
Recently, two methamphetamine laboratories were dismantled, leading to the arrest of 14 people involved in the production and distribution of drugs in Puebla and Tlaxcala. The State Secretary of Public Security, Francisco Sánchez González, revealed that at least seven criminal groups operate in Puebla, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the Sinaloa Cartel, and La Familia Michoacana.
