A joint operation by federal and capital authorities has dismantled a criminal cell involved in human trafficking between Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala, with one of its operational centers in Mérida, Yucatán. The operation led to the arrest of 10 individuals and revealed their roles within the network.
Criminal Network Details
The group, known as “Los Colombianos” or “Los Balsas,” was part of an international criminal network led by Carlos Mario Lugo Sabalza from Colombia. The network also engaged in document forgery across the three countries.
The operation took place in the Gustavo A. Madero municipality of Mexico City, where authorities seized a property used to house migrants before their transfer north. Confiscated items included a safe, electronic equipment, cash, documents related to human trafficking, a firearm, 47 cartridges, and a pink substance presumed to be “tusi” (pink cocaine).
Detainees and Their Roles
The leader, Carlos Mario Lugo Sabalza, was arrested along with nine accomplices. Three were caught red-handed, while six faced arrest warrants. The detainees are:
– Carlos Mario Lugo Sabalza: Leader (arrested)
– Moisés González Andrade: Document forgery operator (arrest warrant)
– Liliana Patricia González Andrade: Migrant surveillance (arrest warrant)
– Minerva García Valtierra: Migrant surveillance (arrest warrant)
– Leopoldo Martínez Alpizar: Collaborator (arrested)
– Javier González Flores: Collaborator (arrested)
– Patricia Andrade Amador: Migrant surveillance (arrest warrant)
– Berenice Núñez López: Migrant surveillance (arrest warrant)
– Modou Diallo: Logistics operator (arrest warrant)
– Ricardo Salas Manzanares: Collaborator (arrested)
Operational Areas
The group operated in Mexico City, as well as in the states of Mexico, Nayarit, and Colima. They used routes through Tapachula, Chiapas, and Mérida, Yucatán, to illegally transport migrants to various parts of the country, aiming to continue their journey to the United States.
Additional Arrests and Rescues
In another building in Gustavo A. Madero, a woman linked to the network was arrested. In Tepotzotlán, State of Mexico, authorities rescued a kidnapped Guatemalan migrant. The operation included searches in Nayarit and the State of Mexico, resulting in several more arrests.
Legal Proceedings
The detainees were informed of their constitutional rights and placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry for further investigation. Authorities emphasized that this operation is part of a coordinated effort to dismantle criminal networks involved in human trafficking and related activities.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
