Major Drug Seizure on Chihuahua-Ciudad Juarez Highway
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, July 22, 2026 – Authorities intercepted a significant drug shipment on the highly trafficked federal highway 45, linking Chihuahua city with Ciudad Juarez. The operation, which took place yesterday, July 21, 2026, resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 41 kilograms of illicit drugs.
The detainees, two men and one woman whose identities have not yet been released, were traveling in a sand-colored Nissan Versa with out-of-state license plates. The vehicle’s registration raised suspicion among agents from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), leading to their intervention at a location known as El Navegante, between El Sauz and El Sueco.
During the inspection, agents discovered 29 kilograms of methamphetamine and 12 kilograms of cocaine. The total weight of the seized drugs amounts to 41 kilograms. Both the arrested individuals and the confiscated drugs and vehicle have been handed over to the Federal Public Ministry for further investigation. Authorities continue to probe the origin and intended destination of the substantial drug cargo.
Operation Part of Broader National Security Strategy
This significant bust in Chihuahua is part of a larger series of operations conducted on July 20, 2026, as detailed in the Security Cabinet’s report under the National Security Strategy. Federal and state forces carried out similar actions across at least six Mexican states on that day, targeting organized crime.
Operations Across Six States Yield Significant Results
In Baja California, operations in Tecate led to the seizure of four long firearms, nine magazines, 236 cartridges, doses of methamphetamine, two tactical vests, and road spikes after a property raid by the National Guard, Mexican Army, Prosecutor’s Office, and State Police. In Tijuana’s Santa Fe subdivision, the FGR and Municipal Police seized 40 kilograms of methamphetamine from another property.
In Manzanillo, Colima, the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) and State Police conducted operations in three neighborhoods. In Campo Verde, two long firearms and a vehicle were secured, though no arrests were made. In the Jabalí and Burócrata neighborhoods, two individuals were arrested, and authorities seized four long firearms, seven magazines, 369 cartridges, 800 doses of methamphetamine, a scale, and four packages of glass pipes.
Hidalgo, Michoacán, saw federal authorities raiding a property, arresting one man, and seizing seven long firearms, 56 magazines, 1,422 cartridges, doses of methamphetamine, eight tactical vests, and two helmets. Additionally, two vehicles and a motorcycle were secured, indicating a significant target within a criminal structure.
In Escuinapa, Sinaloa, Semar elements arrested one person and seized three long firearms, one short firearm, 44 cartridges, 22 magazines, two tactical vests, and two vehicles.
In Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, the Mexican Army arrested two men in a vehicle, seizing two short firearms, magazines, and cartridges.
Major Blow to Methamphetamine Production in Sinaloa
The most extensive operation on July 20 occurred in Cosalá, Sinaloa. The Mexican Army located and disabled two areas used for the concentration of materials for drug production. This operation resulted in the seizure of 940 liters and 15 kilograms of chemical substances intended for methamphetamine production, along with a synthesis reactor and other manufacturing equipment.
The Security Cabinet estimates that the combined operations on July 20, 2026, inflicted an economic blow of approximately 18 million pesos on organized crime. The ongoing efforts by Mexican authorities aim to dismantle drug trafficking networks and enhance national security across the country.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/07/22/en-territorio-de-la-linea-aseguran-mas-de-40-kilos-de-droga-y-detienen-a-tres-personas-en-la-carretera-chihuahua-ciudad-juarez/
