Two inspectors from the Baja California Institute of Sustainable Mobility (IMOS), Erick Sánchez Zertuche López and José Héctor Oliveros Carabita, were abducted by armed men in Punta Colonet, Ensenada, on June 10, 2026. The officials were intercepted while returning from a work operation in San Quintín, leading to a multi-agency state and federal investigation. Both men were released unharmed approximately 24 hours later, following an intensive search operation led by the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE).
Circumstances of the Abduction
The incident occurred around 21:00 hours on the Transpeninsular Highway as the inspectors traveled in a caravan of four vehicles. According to witness statements, at least 15 hooded individuals in three vehicles—including a modified Jeep Cherokee Rubicon—forced the IMOS convoy to stop. The attackers, who utilized vehicles equipped with police-style strobe lights, targeted the unit occupied by Sánchez and Oliveros, firing at least two shots at the vehicle before taking the men to an undisclosed location.
Official Investigations and Motives
The FGE opened an investigation under case number NUC 0201-2026-08252 regarding the kidnapping. While the IMOS has stated it is cooperating fully with the FGE, investigators from the Mexican Army and the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) informed ZETA that the motive was linked to an alleged drug debt totaling 5 million dollars—3 million in Mexico and 2 million in the United States. During a subsequent raid at an inmueble in Ejido Ruiz Ordaz where the men were held, authorities seized four long guns, tactical gear, and several vehicles, though no arrests have been made to date.
Political Context and Divergent Accounts
The case drew significant public attention due to the status of Erick Sánchez Zertuche López as the son of federal deputy Rocío López Gorosave. Following the release of her son, the deputy issued a public statement on June 12 thanking President Claudia Sheinbaum and Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila. Her account of the events differs from the reports provided by state and federal authorities. Separately, security officials reported receiving complaints from local business owners alleging that Sánchez had previously requested money in exchange for immunity, though the IMOS has not responded to these specific claims.
What May Happen Next
Authorities are currently analyzing the involvement of former municipal police officers reportedly identified within the criminal convoy. As the FGE continues its investigation, the focus may shift toward the influence of regional criminal operators, specifically those linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, such as Leopoldo Lizárraga Ochoa, alias “El Pantera.” Future developments will likely depend on whether the FGE can successfully transition the recovered tactical evidence into formal charges against the perpetrators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims of the abduction?
The victims were Erick Sánchez Zertuche López, 31, and José Héctor Oliveros Carabita, 48, both inspectors for the IMOS in Baja California.
What was the official justification for the kidnapping?
According to investigators from the Mexican Army and FGR, the abduction was reportedly motivated by an unpaid drug debt of 5 million dollars.
Were there any arrests made during the search?
No, as of the latest report, authorities have not made any arrests related to the case despite recovering weapons and equipment at the site where the inspectors were held.
How will the discrepancies between the official investigation and the deputy’s account influence public trust in local security efforts?
