‘Operation at ‘El Mencho’s’ Funeral Was to Protect the Public’

Harfuch Addressed the Concerns Generated by the Alleged Protection of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes’ Funeral

Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), asserted that the security operation, which included federal and state forces and accompanied the hearse carrying “El Mencho’s” body in Zapopan, was to protect the public and not to “escort” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

During the morning press conference this Friday, March 6, in Zapopan, Jalisco, the official was informed of the outrage expressed by mothers searching for their missing loved ones and search collectives upon witnessing the alleged protection of the criminal’s body at the Recinto de la Paz cemetery in that municipality.

“Some people were saying he was being escorted, protected, when he was a person who generated violence, who was accused of committing various crimes, and these images of federal forces guarding him generated this discontent. What is your response to this federal government protection of this drug lord?” he was asked.

“This operation was precisely to protect the public. Given the recent disturbances, blockades, and vehicle fires, this operation, implemented by the National Guard and Jalisco state authorities, along with all other authorities, was precisely to protect the public, not to escort anyone. It was to prevent any kind of disturbance in the city, and it succeeded. There were no problems, and the public was protected,” the official replied.

Harfuch rules out operation at cemetery where “El Mencho” is buried

In front of Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of the SSPC (Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection) ruled out an operation at the cemetery to prevent visits to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho.”

Regarding the perception of insecurity in Tapalpa following the capture and killing of the drug trafficker on Sunday, February 22, García Harfuch stated that the disturbances and blockades ended within the first 48 hours and that everything is now back to normal in Jalisco.

“There is a reinforcement from the Security Cabinet; there are more Army and National Guard personnel, and there will be permanent patrols throughout the state. There is a permanent reinforcement,” the Secretary said.

He assured that three days after the blockades in various areas of Jalisco ended, everything was “perfectly back to normal.” He indicated that to date, no criminal incidents of the kind seen in Puerto Vallarta, Tapalpa, and the Jalisco metropolitan area have been reported.

Source: El Siglo de Torreón