The discovery and seizure of hidden surveillance cameras in trees mobilized federal and state forces in the municipality of Navolato, Sinaloa, as part of reconnaissance operations in rural areas.
According to official information released by security authorities, the devices were found during ground patrols conducted by the Interinstitutional Group, comprised of armed forces and security agencies from all three levels of government. The operation took place on January 9, 2026, and the devices have been turned over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to begin the corresponding investigations.
Authorities reported that the discoveries were made in the communities of:
El Bledal
Lo de Reyes
both belonging to the municipality of Navolato.
During the reconnaissance, military personnel detected two solar-powered surveillance cameras hidden among tree branches, making them difficult to identify at first glance.
What were the devices like and what were they presumed to be used for?
According to the report, the devices were solar-powered cameras, allowing them to operate continuously without a direct electrical connection.
Authorities suspect the equipment was installed by members of organized crime and used to monitor the movements and actions of security forces in the area.
After being located, both devices were removed to prevent their operation.
The following agencies participated in the operation:
Mexican Army
National Guard
Mexican Navy
Mexican Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection
Attorney General’s Office (FGR)
Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office
Sinaloa State Public Security Secretariat, through the State Preventive Police
The coordinated effort allowed for the secure seizure of the devices without incident.
The cameras were turned over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the State Attorney General’s Office, which will be responsible for:
Compiling the case file.
Analyze the devices.
Determine their origin.
Establish whether they were linked to a criminal surveillance network.
Authorities did not report whether any individuals have been identified in connection with the installation of the equipment.
Authorities have warned in previous operations that these types of devices are often used to:
Alert the presence of security forces.
Control routes and access points.
Monitor communities.
Facilitate criminal activities.
Therefore, their detection and removal are part of the efforts to weaken clandestine monitoring networks in rural and urban areas.
The Federal Government and the State Government reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the security of Sinaloa society.
They also called on the public to report any suspicious activity through:
911, for emergencies.
089, for anonymous reports.
Citizen collaboration, they noted, is key to detecting hidden equipment or irregular activities.
The seizure of hidden cameras in Navolato adds to other actions carried out in different parts of the state to locate clandestine monitoring equipment and reduce the observation capacity of criminal groups.
Source: msn
