Massive Security Operation in San Cristóbal de Las Casas Nets Weapons, Drugs, and Arrests
In a meticulously planned operation, over 2,000 federal and state forces descended upon the northern area of San cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, seizing more than 100 vehicles, 120 motorcycles, and detaining 16 individuals. Among those arrested was Manuel Collazo Gómez, leader of the Organization of Evangelical Peoples of Chiapas (Opeach), who has been imprisoned three times as 1998.
The operation, led by the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), targeted a region known for its history of violence and criminal activity. Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca, head of the FGE, revealed that Collazo Gómez had an arrest warrant for the crime of “attacks against peace.” The northern area of San Cristóbal,predominantly inhabited by indigenous communities,has long been a hotspot for gang activity,particularly by groups known as motonetos,who operate primarily on motorcycles.
The operation began at 4 a.m., with forces from the newly created Immediate Reaction Force Pakal (FRIP), the National guard, the Mexican Army, the FGE, and the investigative Police working in unison. Two helicopters, two unmanned aircraft, and 50 patrol cars provided aerial and ground support. “It was an operation planned months before; We already had specific points monitored too avoid any damage to the civilian population. It was carried out with complete certainty and quite good precision. Fourteen searches were carried out,” said Oscar Aparicio Avendaño, head of the People’s Secretariat.
the raid resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs, cartridges, and over 200 tons of auto parts, believed to have been acquired illicitly. Llaven Abarca emphasized the challenges of operating in the northern area, stating, “it has been arduous for the municipal authorities to enter the northern area. We had to plan the operation from state duty. We certainly know the challenge of implementing an operation in that area; We did it in a planned, surgical way.”
the operation comes amid a broader effort by the state government to restore order in Chiapas. Since December 8, over 700 individuals have been arrested, and more than 90% of the highway network is now free of obstructions. “Free transit is guaranteed,” Llaven Abarca noted.
However, challenges remain. The state is grappling with issues in municipalities like Pantelhó, where political and social tensions complicate security efforts. “In the case of Pantelhó, we have to work closely with the federal government to attack this problem from the causes,” Llaven Abarca explained. Additionally, upcoming elections in Oxchuc pose a significant challenge, as previous attempts to hold elections have failed, resulting in the appointment of municipal councils.
The operation in San Cristóbal marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to combat crime and restore the rule of law. As Llaven Abarca stated, “In 43 days of state government, we have worked in all regions of the state to restore the rule of law and make it clear that there will be zero impunity for criminal conduct.”
| Key Details of the Operation |
|———————————-|
| Location | Northern area of san Cristóbal de Las Casas, chiapas |
| Forces Involved | FRIP, National Guard, Mexican Army, FGE, investigative Police |
| Arrests | 16 individuals, including Manuel Collazo Gómez |
| Seized Items | 100+ vehicles, 120 motorcycles, weapons, drugs, 200+ tons of auto parts |
| Support | 2 helicopters, 2 unmanned aircraft, 50 patrol cars |
This operation underscores the state’s commitment to addressing crime and ensuring safety in one of Chiapas’ most troubled regions.
Massive Security Operation in San cristóbal de Las Casas: Insights from an Expert
Table of Contents
In a recent large-scale security operation in San cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, authorities arrested 16 individuals, including manuel Collazo Gómez, and seized over 100 vehicles, 120 motorcycles, weapons, drugs, and 200 tons of auto parts. The operation involved 2 helicopters,2 unmanned aircraft,and 50 patrol cars,highlighting the state’s commitment to combating crime in this troubled region. to discuss the implications of this operation, we spoke with Dr. Elena Martínez, a security analyst specializing in Latin American organized crime and law enforcement strategies.
The Scale and Planning of the Operation
Senior Editor: Dr. Martínez, this operation involved over 2,000 federal and state forces. Can you speak to the level of planning and coordination required for such a large-scale effort?
Dr. Elena Martínez: Absolutely. This operation was meticulously planned, as evident from the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Immediate Reaction Force Pakal (FRIP), the National Guard, and the Mexican Army. The use of aerial support like helicopters and unmanned aircraft indicates a high level of strategic planning. Operations of this magnitude require months of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordination to ensure precision and minimize risks to civilians.
The Arrest of Manuel Collazo Gómez
Senior Editor: Manuel Collazo Gómez, a leader of the institution of Evangelical Peoples of Chiapas (Opeach), was among those arrested. What does his arrest signify for the region?
Dr. Elena Martínez: Collazo Gómez’s arrest is meaningful because of his alleged involvement in attacks against peace. His history of imprisonment and leadership role in Opeach suggest he is a key figure in the region’s criminal landscape.His detention signals a crackdown on individuals who perpetuate violence and disrupt public order, which is a critical step toward restoring stability in the northern area of San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
Seized Items and Their Implications
Senior Editor: The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs, and over 200 tons of auto parts. What do these findings tell us about the criminal activities in the region?
Dr.Elena Martínez: The seized items point to a multifaceted criminal network. Weapons and drugs are common indicators of organized crime, but the large quantity of auto parts suggests that illicit activities extend to trafficking and theft.This highlights the complexity of criminal operations in the region, which are not limited to one type of illegal activity but are interconnected and highly organized.
Challenges in the Northern area of San Cristóbal
Senior Editor: The northern area of San Cristóbal de Las Casas is known for its history of violence. What challenges do law enforcement face in such a region?
dr. Elena Martínez: The northern area is particularly challenging due to its geographical terrain, social dynamics, and the presence of indigenous communities. Criminal groups like the motonetos, who operate on motorcycles, exploit these complexities.Additionally, political and social tensions, as seen in municipalities like Pantelhó, further complicate security efforts. law enforcement must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid escalating conflicts while maintaining public safety.
The Broader Impact on Chiapas
Senior Editor: This operation is part of a broader effort to restore order in Chiapas. What impact does this have on the state’s overall security?
Dr. Elena Martínez: This operation is a significant step in the state’s strategy to combat crime and restore the rule of law.Since December 8, over 700 individuals have been arrested, and 90% of the highway network is now free of obstructions. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to zero impunity and send a strong message to criminal organizations.However, long-term success will depend on sustained efforts, community engagement, and addressing the root causes of crime.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: With upcoming elections in Oxchuc and ongoing tensions in Pantelhó, what lies ahead for Chiapas?
Dr. Elena Martínez: the political landscape in Chiapas remains complex. Elections in Oxchuc and social tensions in Pantelhó highlight the need for a complete approach that combines security measures with political and social solutions. The state government must work closely with the federal government and local communities to address these challenges. While this operation is a positive step, lasting peace will require a sustained and holistic effort.
Thank you, Dr. Martínez,for sharing your insights on this critical operation and its implications for Chiapas.
