In Michoacán, state authorities seized more than 100 explosive devices that were designed to be launched from drones. This prevented their use for illicit purposes.
The operations took place in the municipality of Buenavista. Official reports indicate that the explosives were located in the town of Paredes del Ahogado on the afternoon of April 21.
After an operation carried out in a dirt road, members of the Mexican Army, Civil Guard, and National Guard seized a total of 168 improvised explosive devices.
The Ministry of Public Security (SSP) reported that these devices were deactivated by the Defense Emergency Response Group and the Civil Guard’s Specialized Group on Explosive Devices and Hazardous Materials.
The explosives had been defaced.
As a result, authorities neutralized two drone overflights, believed to be operated by a criminal group in the region (which was not specified).
In addition, three kilos of aluminized gunpowder and one kilo of potassium chlorate, used to make explosives or fireworks, were seized, the SSP reported in a statement.
No arrests were reported in these seizures, so the criminal cell handling these types of improvised devices is unknown.
According to an Insight Crime article, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are commonly used by organized crime due to their low cost and speed of manufacture.
Example of the explosives used
“Unlike military weapons, IEDs can be manufactured at low costs and do not require extensive technological intervention or complex materials. The first devices seized in Michoacán in 2021, for example, were plastic tubes filled with gunpowder and metal fragments,” Mariana Fernández and Victoria Dittmar explained to InSight Crime.
In Michoacán, the municipalities with the most explosive seizures are Apatzingán, Buenavista, Aguililla, La Huacana, Tepalcatepec, and Marcos Castellanos. Added to this is the use of landmines, which has claimed the lives of civilians and military personnel.
According to Insight Crime reports, criminal organizations that have used IEDs include the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Los Viagras, La Nueva Familia Michoacana, and the United Cartels.
Source: infobae
