Two labs seized in Degollado
By Cartel Insider Wire Desk · Edited by Mica Treviño
Original reporting: El Diario de Juárez
What happened
Authorities reported seizing two laboratories and two marijuana greenhouses in Degollado, Jalisco, linked to an organization allegedly led by Tío Lako.
Reporting and context
Federal forces seized two clandestine laboratories and two marijuana greenhouses in Degollado, Jalisco, which authorities linked to an organization led by Heraclio “N”, alias “Tío Lako”, according to El Diario de Juárez. Authorities identified him as a regional Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader.
The Defense Ministry said the facilities were used to manufacture methamphetamine and process marijuana derivatives, with specialized machinery for extracting cannabidiol, or CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Federal investigators estimated the complex's synthetic-drug production capacity at 17 million pesos a month and valued its infrastructure at another 5 million pesos.
El Diario de Juárez reported that the greenhouses measured approximately 3,250 and 8,400 square meters. Together they covered 11,650 square meters, more than one hectare. Images released by authorities showed rows of marijuana plants under white plastic coverings, alongside industrial processing equipment.
Weapons and ammunition of various calibers were also found, but officials did not specify quantities or types. The seized weapons were turned over to the federal Attorney General's Office. Army and National Guard personnel carried out the operation in coordination with federal organized-crime prosecutors and the Criminal Investigation Agency.
For context, the Defense Ministry said the Army, Air Force and National Guard had seized 2,708 clandestine laboratories and drug-production concentration areas during the current federal administration. That cumulative figure covers multiple operations and is separate from the two laboratories reported in Degollado.
The report also described a separate November 13 operation that destroyed 38 poppy and marijuana plots in Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Durango and Sinaloa, with an estimated economic impact exceeding 6 million pesos. Its area figures conflict: the stated total was 4.9 hectares, while the listed poppy and marijuana areas add up to 4.29 hectares.
Original reporting: El Diario de Juárez.