Huge stash of meth found in secret labs in Mexico as Trump threatens possible military action
More than 1,500 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized private laboratories in Mexico, authorities announced Monday, days after President Trump threatened military action to crack down on cartels in the country.
In separate operations, authorities found secret labs and more than 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) of meth, as well as various chemical precursors, in the states of Durango, Sinaloa and Michoacán, the Mexican military said in a statement.
During a land survey in the town of Carricitos, Durango, a hidden laboratory was found with 1,150 liters and 695 kilograms of chemical precursors and materials used for the production of synthetic drugs.
“The laboratory had many working areas, materials and facilities for making synthetic drugs, which were completely disabled so they could not be used again,” the navy said.
The second operation took place in Sinaloa, home of the The infamous wagon of the same name. In the town of Los Cedros, authorities found a lab where they seized about 750 kilograms of finished meth, as well as 1,150 liters and 695 kilograms of chemical precursors.
Finally, in a violent western environment Michoacánin the town of La Escondida, another workshop was found. Authorities seized 9,700 liters and 500 kilograms of chemical precursors, as well as laboratory equipment and instruments.
The navy said it destroyed the labs, and released video and photos of the operation on social media.
“The complete destruction of the laboratories means a major crackdown on organized crime and prevents these illegal substances from reaching the public,” the navy said in a statement.
The seizure was announced as the US continues its crackdown on drug trafficking, including more than 20 strikes against boats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. More than 100 people have died in these strikes.
Earlier this month, the The US invaded Venezuela in the campaign that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. Mr. Trump also threatened measures that could be taken in Mexico to stop drug companies.
In an interview with Fox News last week, Mr. Trump said, “We took out 97% of the drugs that were coming in by water and we’re going to start hitting the world now, in terms of the cartels. The companies that operate in Mexico. It’s very sad to watch.”
On Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had “a very good conversation” with Mr. Trump also insisted that US intervention against the cartels is unnecessary.
“We told him, so far it is going very well, it is not necessary, and in addition there is the sovereignty of Mexico and the integrity of the place and he understood,” he said.
