Photo: Semar

By KELIN DILLON

In a significant security operation, the Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) successfully dismantled a large-scale laboratory used for the production of synthetic drugs in the state of Zacatecas. 

This operation was carried out with the assistance of several national security agencies, including the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the National Guard (GN), and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection.

The clandestine laboratory complex, which spans 395,000 square meters, is reportedly linked to the “Los Chapitos” faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, led by Luis Fernando Álvarez Castro – considered a key target by federal authorities. 

Located in the town of Carrizalillo, the operation discovered an array of equipment and materials typically used in the manufacturing of synthetic drugs. 

The authorities confiscated 56 drums, 65 vats, nine mixers, 77 gas tanks, 209 plastic containers, four motor generators, 62 condensers, and 94 burners, alongside various other items.

Additionally, approximately 63,100 liters of various substances, including benzyl chloride, were secured. 

Another 10,950 liters of different chemical compounds and 15,950 kilograms of substances – mainly tartaric acid – were also discovered at the site. 

In a statement, officials noted that chemical precursors and materials were neutralized and destroyed by the authorities on-site, effectively preventing their future use in drug production. 

The authorities emphasized that this operation successfully stopped the potential production of 27,930 kilograms of methamphetamine, which would have translated to an estimated 698 million doses. 

This seizure is part of a broader effort by the current administration, which has reportedly confiscated around 34,232 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with over 202,907 liters and 122,598 kilograms of chemical precursors during ongoing anti-narcotics operations.