Arresting Blow to Crime in Chiapas: Authorities Seize Massive Cache of Arms and Ammunition in Pantelhó
In a significant operation conducted in the municipality of Pantelhó, in the Mexican state of Chiapas, authorities have seized a substantial arsenal, which included firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear. The Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) reported that the operation was carried out in a ranch located near the community of El Duraznal, following an armed attack on personnel from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena).
The operation was the result of a report made by Sedena elements, who were attacked by armed individuals at the location. Based on this report, the Ministerio Público de la Federación (MPF) obtained a search warrant, which was executed by agents from the Agencia de Investigación Criminal (AIC), assisted by the Policía Federal Ministerial (PFM).
During the raid, authorities recovered a total of 19 long firearms, one launcher attachment, one cannon tube, and 11 smoke grenades, which were later destroyed on-site for security reasons. Additionally, they seized 77 magazines, 22,010 cartridges of various calibers, 23 vests, and 19 tactical jackets. The property where the operation took place was also secured by authorities.
The seized material was placed at the disposal of the MPF of the FGR in Chiapas, which continues to investigate the case. The suspected offenses include illegal possession of firearms, arms accumulation, and possession of cartridges and magazines exclusively for use by the Armed Forces.
This operation is part of the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat violence and the illegal use of weapons in the region. Pantelhó, a mountainous municipality in Chiapas, has been the scene of tensions and armed conflicts in recent years, leading to increased security actions by federal forces.
The FGR has not provided information on any arrests made during the raid or the identity of those responsible for the attack on the military. However, journalist Gabriela Coutiño reported that the property is known as "Los Herrera."
"Los Herrera" is a criminal organization that has been linked to various illegal activities in the state of Chiapas. Its presence in the region has generated tensions with other groups, including "El Machete," a self-proclaimed autodefense movement that emerged in July 2021 in the municipality of Pantelhó, with the declared objective of combating violence and criminal activities attributed to organizations like "Los Herrera." Since its appearance, the rivalry between the two groups has escalated, leaving a trail of violence in the region.
In July 2023, various rural groups in the municipality of Pantelhó called on the governor of Chiapas, Rutilio Escandón Cadenas, and the state’s Attorney General to take measures to dismantle "Los Herrera." According to Infobae, these communities identified the organization as responsible for multiple acts of violence and demanded concrete actions to ensure security in the area.
The conflict between "Los Herrera" and "El Machete" has been a determining factor in the growing insecurity in Pantelhó and other parts of Chiapas. The feud between the two groups has not only led to armed clashes but has also affected the civilian population, who find themselves caught in the middle of this dispute.
