Mexican federal authorities seized more than 54,000 liters of chemicals allegedly intended for the production of synthetic drugs in the port of Manzanillo, one of the main points of entry for goods into the country and considered strategic in investigations into trafficking of chemical precursors linked to drug trafficking.

The operation was led by the Attorney General's Office of the Republic of Mexico (FGR) in coordination with the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), which also had support from the National Customs Agency of Mexico.

According to an official statement released this Sunday, federal agents seized approximately 54,960 liters of a substance preliminarily identified as benzyl alcohol, stored in 240 drums distributed within two containers located at the Manzanillo port customs office.

The authorities explained that the seizure was the result of field investigations and intelligence work focused on detecting routes used by transnational criminal organizations dedicated to importing and moving chemical substances used in the production of synthetic narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Research points to precursor trafficking networks

According to the Prosecutor's Office, intelligence work made it possible to identify possible logistical routes used to transport chemical precursors to western Mexico, a region where criminal groups linked to the manufacture and distribution of synthetic drugs operate.

Elements of the Criminal Investigation Agency went to the customs facility located on Miguel de la Madrid Boulevard, in the Tapeixtles neighborhood, where they seized the containers.

The agency noted that, through chemical analysis and reviews of previous cases, it has been determined that substances such as tartaric acid, piperidone and other similar compounds can be used in the final stages of synthetic drug production.

Although the authorities mentioned the possible illicit use of the shipment, the definitive composition of the seized substances has not yet been officially confirmed. Specialized experts will be in charge of determining the exact quantities and chemical characteristics of the insured material.

The Mexican government also did not report whether any people were detained during the operation nor did it reveal the origin of the shipment, the company involved or the final destination of the containers.

Manzanillo, key point in the fight against drug trafficking

The port of Manzanillo has become one of the main surveillance focuses for Mexican authorities due to the increase in trafficking of chemical precursors from Asia and other regions of the world.

Security officials have indicated on several occasions that criminal organizations use Mexican Pacific ports to introduce compounds used in clandestine fentanyl and methamphetamine laboratories, drugs that are subsequently trafficked to the United States.

The seizure occurs amid constant pressure from the US government for Mexico to strengthen actions against the production and export of fentanyl, a synthetic drug linked to tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year in the United States.

In recent months, Mexican federal forces have intensified operations in ports, customs and strategic highways with the aim of stopping the flow of chemical substances used by cartels.

The Prosecutor's Office indicated that the shipment will remain under ministerial protection while investigations continue to determine the criminal network related to the shipment and clarify whether the chemicals were destined for clandestine laboratories in the west of the country.