Two labs and greenhouses disabled in Degollado
By Cartel Insider Wire Desk · Edited by Mica Treviño
Original reporting: El Financiero
What happened
Defense said facilities in Degollado were linked to a group allegedly headed by Tío Lako; no arrests or drug volumes were reported.
Reporting and context
Mexican forces disabled two drug laboratories and two marijuana greenhouses in Degollado, Jalisco, allegedly operated by a group linked to a regional CJNG figure known as “Tío Lako,” according to El Financiero’s account of a Defense Ministry statement. The operation took place on Friday with the army and National Guard working alongside federal prosecutors.
El Financiero reported that the facilities contained equipment for producing methamphetamine and processing marijuana to extract cannabidiol, or CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The two greenhouses covered approximately 3,250 and 8,400 square meters, respectively. Authorities also found weapons and ammunition of various calibers.
The ministry cited investigative information identifying Heraclio “N,” alias “Tío Lako,” as the head of the group operating the sites and as a regional figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The operation also involved the specialized organized-crime prosecutor’s office and the Criminal Investigation Agency.
The statement did not report arrests or specify quantities of substances or numbers of plants found. Seized property was placed at the disposal of the FGR in Mexico City for investigation, forensic examination and determination of its legal status.
For broader context, Defense said the army, air force and National Guard had seized 2,708 laboratories and concentration areas during the current administration. That cumulative figure covers the administration’s operations, rather than sites found in this single raid.
The outlet placed the operation alongside recent actions against alleged CJNG figures and equipment: the November 8 arrest of Rafael “N,” known as “El R2,” the seizure of 18 vehicles with improvised armor on Thursday, and the November 14 announcement of the arrest of Giancarlo “N,” alias “Lucifer,” described as a regional figure operating in Colima and Jalisco.
Original publication: El Financiero.