Mexico’s National Guard and Army Report 27 Arrests, Seize Weapons, Drugs and Explosives

Mexico’s National Guard and Army reported 27 arrests during operations conducted from Aug. 17 to 29 with other authorities. The operations also destroyed a camp and 16 marijuana plantations.

The forces said they seized 12 properties, 17 firearms, 1,573 rounds of ammunition, 127 magazines and 31 explosive devices. The firearms included 16 long guns and one handgun.

The operation also produced seizures of marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, along with 22 vehicles, including a tractor-trailer and six motorcycles. Authorities also took 69 slot machines, tactical equipment and communications radios.

The detainees and seized items were placed under the authority of the relevant institutions as investigations and forensic procedures continued. Officials said those processes would determine the detainees’ legal status.

Mexico’s Defense Ministry said the activities complied with the rule of law and respected human rights. It said that, during the current administration, authorities had arrested 52,255 people and seized more than 26,000 firearms, along with ammunition, vehicles and large quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine, weakening criminal structures.