Mexico’s Security Cabinet Reports Significant Decline in Homicides, Major Blow to Cartel Logistics

The Security Cabinet presented the bi-weekly report in the advance in the National Security Strategy during President Claudia Sheinbaum morning press conference. 

Omar Garcia Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, reported a preliminary reduction of 49% in the daily average of intentional homicide between September 2024 and May 2026. He highlighted that in that period, nearly 54,300 people were detained for high-impact crimes, and more than 400 tons of drugs were seized and nearly 30,000 weapons confiscated. Furthermore, nearly 2,400 clandestine narco-labs were dismantled, and 92 priority targets were handed to the U.S. authorities by decision of Mexico, as they were considered  national security threats. In addition, 85 officials and former officials were detained for criminal ties as a result of ‘Operation Swarm’ (Operativo Enjambre). 

Meanwhile, the Secretary of National Defense, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, reported that the armed forces  have detained more than 42,000 generators of violence, and seized 192 tons of drugs and more than 22,000 weapons. He highlighted that these results were possible due to the strengthening of intelligence and investigation capabilities, as well as the technological modernization of the National Guard. Furthermore, he pointed out the deployment of more than 107,000 personnel across all 32 states. Additionally, he noted that 2,325 clandestine methamphetamine labs were destroyed, causing a direct impact on the logistical, operational and financial capabilities of criminal organizations. 

For his part, the Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Raymundo Morales, reported  on relevant arrests of priority targets, including leaders of prominent criminal networks. Furthermore, he noted historic drug seizures totaling 71.4 tons of cocaine, 9 tons of marijuana, and 3.3 tons of methamphetamines, as well as the seizure of 149,171 liters of smuggled illicit fuel. He highlighted that to achieve these tasks, the Navy operates with a force of more than 79,000 naval personnel, 130 ships, 121 boats, 45 helicopters, 47 aircraft, as well as drones and unmanned aerial systems used to safeguard sovereignty and curb smuggling.