Crime & Public Safety
Mexico says it seized 16.8 tons of amphetamines in Sinaloa
Mexican authorities said Friday they seized 16.8 tons of amphetamines from clandestine drug labs in northwestern Sinaloa state, home to one of the country's biggest cartels.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said authorities uncovered three drug labs in mountainous areas of Sinaloa. One covered 5,700 square meters, he said in a statement.
Garcia Harfuch described the haul as "one of the biggest blows to the production of synthetic drugs" in Mexico since President Claudia Sheinbaum came to power in October 2024.
Sinaloa is home to the cartel of the same name. Sheinbaum's administration is under pressure from US President Donald Trump to crack down on drug traffickers. During her presidency, Mexican authorities have stepped up drug raids and handed over dozens of suspected cartel members to the United States.
Update
Authorities said they uncovered three clandestine drug labs in mountainous areas of Sinaloa.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said one lab covered 5,700 square meters.
The item adds context that President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration is under pressure from US President Donald Trump to crack down on drug traffickers.
The item says Mexican authorities have stepped up drug raids and handed over dozens of suspected cartel members to the United States under Sheinbaum.
Source note: AFP news report published on 4 September 2026 at 17:46:08 UTC.
Update
Mexican authorities gave the seized amount as 16.8 tons of amphetamines.
The amphetamines were seized from clandestine drug labs in Sinaloa state.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch called the seizure one of the biggest blows to synthetic drug production since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024.
Source note: AFP news report published on 4 September 2026 at 17:31:09 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The item does not provide further details on arrests or the operational status of the labs.
Source
AFP news report published on .