Mexico arrests 'La Patrona,' foreign national linked to international cocaine ring

Mexican authorities have apprehended a foreign national known as 'La Patrona,' who is allegedly involved in a sophisticated international cocaine trafficking operation. The Attorney General's Office (FGR) announced the arrest, identifying the suspect as a potential logistical operator for a criminal structure that traffics cocaine to the United States, Europe, and Australia.

The FGR stated that the network employed a unique method of impregnating clothing with chemicals for discreet shipment through air cargo services. 'La Patrona' was detained in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, and subsequently transferred to judicial authority in Colima. However, the FGR provided limited details regarding the suspect's nationality, the broader organization, or the specific charges.

In parallel operations, the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC) conducted searches at three properties in Colima and Morelos. These searches, which took place in Jiutepec, Morelos, and the Colima capital and Villa de Álvarez, Colima, resulted in the seizure of computer equipment, a long firearm, and various documents. It remains unclear if these searches are directly linked to 'La Patrona's' arrest.

Further unrelated operations reported by the FGR included the confiscation of over 14,000 liters of fuel in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, along with ammunition, a firearm magazine, vehicles, and containers. Additionally, a tractor-trailer linked to fuel smuggling was seized in Nahuatzen, Michoacán. The FGR also announced the arrest of Apolonio 'N' in Jiutepec, Morelos, for the alleged misuse of public servant credentials.

These actions are presented by the FGR as part of its commitment to dismantling criminal structures involved in various illicit activities, including fuel theft, arms trafficking, international drug smuggling, and abuse of public office. The arrests and seizures come amid Mexico's intensified security strategy and pressure from the U.S. to combat drug trafficking.