The states of Mexico’s Central-Western region have disabled 24 unofficial roadways that were allegedly used by criminal groups to escape with stolen vehicles, according to Guanajuato Governor Libia García Muñoz Ledo.
The governor explained that this action was announced during the Regional Security Meeting, which includes the states of Guanajuato, Nayarit, Colima, Michoacán, Aguascalientes, Jalisco, and Zacatecas. The primary topics discussed by the participating states were highway security and cargo theft on roadways.
“Disabling these routes allows us to provide safer passage for people traveling on these roads and, above all, prevents criminals from having easy escape routes after stealing cargo or vehicles.”
She emphasized the importance of coordination among the states because criminal organizations operate in the border areas between neighboring states.
“The important thing is that a state border does not limit our operations and that we can work together using intelligence resources to dismantle criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, as well as cargo theft, which is a very important issue.”
Regional Coordination Strengthens Security Strategy
Libia García added that the intergovernmental meetings allow authorities to analyze the security strategy from a regional perspective.
“Guanajuato has become an important model that has been reviewed during these meetings because we have signed cooperation agreements with other states. It is a model that is now being replicated.”
The governor explained that, through coordinated efforts, authorities identify those responsible for generating violence and determine how many have outstanding arrest warrants in order to carry out joint operations and search warrants.
During the meetings with the other participating states, officials evaluate the regional security strategy, review each state’s performance, establish new objectives, and strengthen cooperation.
“These meetings are held every two months. The next one will take place in Colima. Guanajuato is doing well, and it is also important to recognize the acknowledgment made by the military commanders regarding the implementation of our security strategy.”
Source: jornada
