Authorities Arrest 16 in Guerrero Operation Targeting Los Ardillos
Original reporting: Publimetro México
What happened
Guerrero authorities reported arresting 16 suspected Los Ardillos members and seizing 12 firearms, more than 36,700 rounds of ammunition and other items during operations near Acapulco.
Reporting and context
Federal and state authorities arrested 16 people whom officials described as suspected members of Los Ardillos during operations in Guerrero, according to a report by Publimetro México.
The arrests were carried out in Pablo Galeana, Río Verde and Xaltianguis, communities in the municipality of Acapulco. Guerrero’s state prosecutor’s office identified one detainee as an alleged financial operator for the criminal organization. Authorities said all 16 detainees and the seized items were placed at the disposal of prosecutors.
Officials reported seizing 12 firearms, more than 36,700 rounds of ammunition in various calibers, 17 doses of suspected methamphetamine, 10 slot machines, two motorcycles and one vehicle. The report did not provide individual charging information for each detainee.
Publimetro described the operation as part of a reinforced security deployment following the discovery of a National Guard member and three other people who were found dead in Plan de Lima, in the municipality of Juan R. Escudero.
Authorities deployed 284 personnel, two aircraft and 36 vehicles in the region, according to the report. Mexico’s Defense Secretariat said additional personnel would arrive and that operations would continue as investigators sought those responsible for the attacks.