24 youths arrested in Ecatepec with military-grade weapons

Authorities in Ecatepec, Mexico, have arrested 24 young people suspected of firing weapons in public and possessing firearms reserved for military use. The arrests followed a report of gunfire in the San José Jajalpa neighborhood.

Federal and municipal forces responded to the scene and found the group traveling in three vehicles: a black BMW, a white Volkswagen Golf GTI, and a black Audi A4, along with a blue Yamaha R7 motorcycle. During a search of the vehicles, officers discovered alcoholic beverages and a cache of weapons. These included four short and long firearms: a 9mm long rifle, a .223 caliber rifle with a scope and lamp, another 9mm handgun, and a .380 caliber pistol.

The individuals arrested, identified as Kevin “N” through Shamira Montserrat “N,” along with a 16-year-old minor, range in age from 18 to 24 years old. They have been transferred to the Attorney General's Office (FGR) for a federal investigation into charges of possessing weapons exclusively for armed forces use. Their legal status will be determined by the FGR.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region. The presence of luxury vehicles and alcoholic beverages alongside the weapons suggests a potentially complex scenario involving the arrested individuals.