By Fausto Carbajal, Partner, Miranda Delphi Solutions
“Mexico does produce fentanyl”: Ambassador Salazar
Ken Salazar, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, has affirmed that fentanyl is present and being produced in different regions of Mexico. Making these statements as he prepares to leave his post, Salazar emphasized that debating whether fentanyl is produced in Mexico or not is counterproductive. Instead, he stressed the importance of both governments working together on this issue. Amb. Salazar mentioned extensive collaboration with Mexican institutions including SEDENA, SEMAR, and the Attorney General’s Office. He highlighted joint efforts against fentanyl trafficking, particularly in ports like Manzanillo. While unable to recall the exact number of meetings held at the National Palace with U.S. cabinet members regarding fentanyl, Salazar noted ongoing diplomatic engagement on the issue. Additionally, Salazar expressed optimism about positive changes in various Mexican states, including Morelos, and hope for successful combat against organized crime in Tamaulipas, Tijuana, Sinaloa, and Chiapas.
Forbes Mexico, 1/6/25, Enrique Hernández: En México se produce fentanilo: embajador Ken Salazar.
Sheinbaum: fentanyl in Mexico is not really a problem; “there’s no crisis like there is in the US and Canada,” she argues
On January 7th President Sheinbaum addressed the fentanyl situation in Mexico while introducing a new drug-prevention mini-series. She emphasized that Mexico does not face a (domestic) fentanyl crisis comparable to those in the U.S. and Canada, where certain cities are grappling with severe addiction problems. Despite the current assessment, Sheinbaum’s administration is taking pre-emptive action through the “Stay Away from Drugs, Fentanyl Kills” campaign. The initiative aims to educate the public about fentanyl’s health risks and prevent a crisis from developing in Mexico. Health Secretary David Kershenobich supported this position, confirming that fentanyl consumption in Mexico has not reached the concerning levels seen elsewhere. The President also highlighted how the current fentanyl crisis in other nations stems from earlier issues with prescription opioids and their substitutes, suggesting a proactive approach to prevent similar patterns in Mexico.
El Universal, 1/7/25, Eduardo Dina and Salvador Corona: Sheinbaum: fentanilo en México realmente no es un problema; “no hay una crisis como lo hay en EU y Canadá”.
Mexican Drug Cartels: How an Organized Crime “Realignment” Takes a Bloody Toll on the Country
Organized crime in Mexico underwent major internal realignments in 2024 that led to increased violence across several regions. The most significant shift occurred after the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the United States, triggering an internal war within the Sinaloa Cartel, between factions led by his son “El Mayito Flaco” and El Chapo’s sons.
This conflict has resulted in significant economic losses, with businesses reporting damages of approximately $1 billion and 25,000 job losses. While the government reports a 30.1% decrease in federal crimes from 2018 to 2024, violence remains prevalent, with former President López Obrador’s administration recording about 200,000 homicides. The criminal landscape is further complicated by territorial disputes between cartels, particularly in Chiapas, where the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel are fighting for control. The situation has affected local communities, with cartels forcibly recruiting residents and targeting migrants. Additionally, 2024’s elections were marked by unprecedented violence, with 889 victims of political violence, including 39 assassinations of candidates.
Univisión Noticias, 1/5/25, Marcos Martínez: El narco en México: cómo un ‘reajuste’ del crimen organizado tiene un costo sangriento para el país
Without security, investments will not arrive: Coparmex
Business chamber Coparmex has warned that without improved security, investments will not arrive and businesses cannot operate at full capacity. The organization, led by Juan José Sierra Álvarez, emphasized that Claudia Sheinbaum’s government must establish intelligence policies, coordinate law enforcement, and improve the justice system. According to Coparmex, security remains Mexico’s main challenge, with one in two entrepreneurs being victims of crime. During Sheinbaum’s first two months in office, there were 5,160 murders, above historical averages. The situation in Sinaloa is particularly concerning, with a 333.9% increase in homicides and 135.7% increase in vehicle theft compared to the previous year. Looking ahead to 2025, Coparmex notes that while economic growth expectations are slowing to 1.2%, opportunities exist through nearshoring. The organization also highlighted challenges regarding the USMCA review, energy matters, judicial reform, and international commitments, emphasizing the need for dialogue and transparency in implementing constitutional reforms.
Forbes Mexico, 1/6/25, Enrique Hernández: Sin seguridad, inversiones no llegarán: Coparmex
He is José Villatoro, the arrested mayor of Frontera Comalapa; he is related to the founders of CJNG’s armed wing.
José Antonio Villatoro Herrera became interim mayor of Frontera Comalapa, Chiapas, on October 8, 2024, following the disappearance of elected mayor Anibal Roblero Castillo. However, intelligence reports reveal troubling connections between Villatoro Herrera and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)-Chiapas Guatemala Cartel and its armed wing, known as Maíz. Villatoro Herrera is reportedly the nephew of Vladimir López Orantes (aka “El Ruso”), the criminal organization’s main leader in Chiapas’s border region, and cousin to Roger Roblero López, a local cartel commander. According to former mayor Irán Mérida Matamoros, who was interrogated by the Sinaloa Cartel, López Orantes leads CJNG operations in the municipality, while Roblero López manages extortion of local businesses, demanding up to 20,000 pesos and forcing locals to participate in road blockades. Following Villatoro Herrera’s arrest, Ulises Deudiel Córdova Lío, former Civil Protection coordinator, is set to assume the mayoral position. The previous administration under Alejandro Mérida was forced to govern remotely due to security concerns, highlighting the cartel’s strong influence in the region.
El Universal, 1/5/25, Fredy Martín Pérez: Él es José Villatoro, presidente municipal de Frontera Comalapa detenido; es familiar de fundadores del brazo armado del CJNG
A ‘Pillar’ of Criminal Operations in Mexico
In 2024, migrant smuggling became a primary revenue stream for criminal organizations in Mexico, rivalling drug trafficking profits. Criminal groups, from major cartels to local gangs, have adapted their operations to exploit stricter U.S. and Mexican immigration policies, according to expert Ari Sawyer. The criminal ecosystem now incorporates both smuggling services and systematic kidnapping operations. Migrants face multiple extortion attempts during their journey from Guatemala to the U.S. border, with different groups demanding ransoms along the route. The scale is exemplified by Sinaloa Cartel-affiliated networks in a small Sonoran border town reportedly earning over $1 million monthly from migrant-related activities. Despite awareness from both U.S. and Mexican authorities, current immigration policies inadvertently strengthen these criminal enterprises. The situation has evolved into a sophisticated operation where multiple criminal groups systematically profit from vulnerable migrants.
InSight Crime, 12/26/24, Parker Asmann and Henry Shuldiner: El crimen organizado se beneficia del auge migratorio en Latinoamérica
Mourning in the narco world? DEA allegedly confirms death of ‘El Mencho’, CJNG leader, according to journalist
Reports have emerged suggesting the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes,”El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Journalist Ricardo Ravelo claims DEA sources have confirmed the death of the notorious drug lord, who was reportedly suffering from severe kidney problems. These health issues had allegedly led him to establish a secret medical facility within his territory. Rumours of El Mencho’s death have circulated since 2020, coinciding with reported internal divisions within the CJNG among family members and leadership. Although previous reports claimed he died in a Guadalajara hospital, these were never verified, with former President López Obrador explicitly denying such claims in 2020. The CJNG has established a significant presence across multiple Mexican states and has formed alliances with other criminal groups, notably Los Viagras in Michoacán.
Vanguardia, 1/4/25, Sara Navarrete: ¿Luto en el narco? DEA habría confirmado la muerta de El Mencho, según periodista
Nearly 1.5 tons of methamphetamine seized in Prados del Sur and El Salado, Culiacán
Army personnel seized 98 kilograms of methamphetamine at a residence in Prados del Sur and 1,400 kilograms in El Salado, Culiacán. Military personnel reported that during a search warrant, they seized 98 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1,260 litres of liquid methamphetamine, 209 ammunition cartridges, and two vehicles. In another operation coordinated with State Police forces near El Salado, they seized 68 boxes containing approximately 1,400 kilograms of methamphetamine. The drugs were found in a dry box truck. All seized materials were turned over to the federal Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Ríodoce, 1/5/25, Alejandro Monjardín: Aseguran casi 1 tonelada y media de metanfetamina en Prados del Sur y en El Salado
If you would like to talk to Fausto about our services in risk and security consulting, please email him at fausto.carbajal@miranda-partners.com
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