Criminal cells related to 'La Mayiza' and 'Los Chapitos' have established fentanyl labs in San Luis Río Colorado and Nogales, two municipalities on the border with Arizona, according to Francisco Sergio Méndez, delegate of the Attorney General's Office in Sonora, on Tuesday, October 29. A phenomenon known as the 'cockroach effect' has been observed, in which members of organized crime based in Culiacán are moving and establishing themselves in Sonora, especially in the northern area of the state.
Méndez highlighted that the amounts of fentanyl remaining in the border municipalities are minimal and not sufficient for street-level drug dealing. The raw materials for fentanyl production arrive in Sonora from Culiacán, according to ongoing investigations by the Attorney General's Office.
In an operation conducted over the weekend in San Luis Río Colorado, a clandestine lab dedicated to fentanyl production was dismantled. Industrial machines, chemical precursors, and firearms were found, which authorities consider a significant blow to drug trafficking in the region. During the operation, several firearms, ammunition cartridges, chemical precursors, and other materials related to fentanyl production were seized.
On the other hand, the Sonora State Security Council announced the seizure of more than 900 kilograms of cocaine at a military inspection post, valued at approximately 68 million dollars. Méndez also confirmed that there are ongoing investigations into possible acts of corruption by elements of the State Public Security Police concerning a commander operating in San Luis Río Colorado.
In the state of Sonora, unified commands have been established in four locations to combat violence generated by organized crime, aiming to improve public safety through training and evaluation of state and municipal police forces. In San Luis Río Colorado, 'Los Pelones' or 'Los Deltas', armed branch of 'Los Chapitos', are in conflict with 'Los Rusos', a criminal cell of 'La Mayiza' that entered the municipality through the Mexicali Valley.
Finally, Méndez confirmed the presence of the criminal group 'La Línea' in Yécora, a border municipality with Chihuahua.