Mexican Authorities Seize Tractor-Trailer Carrying More Than 13 Tons of Precursor Chemicals

Mexican authorities seized a tractor-trailer carrying more than 13 tons and 13,400 liters of chemical precursors used to produce synthetic drugs, in what officials described as a major blow to drug cartel's trafficking networks.

Mexico's Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said on his X account that the multi-agency operation took place in the northern state of Durango and led to one arrest. Authorities said the seizure resulted from surveillance actions that intercepted the truck at a checkpoint along the Durango–Hidalgo del Parral highway. The vehicle had been modified to transport precursor chemicals and drug materials.

Officials reported seizing 300 sacks containing 7,500 kilograms of lead acetate, 36 sacks with 900 kilograms of tartaric acid, 20 barrels with 4,000 liters of ethanol, 100 kilograms of a solid white substance, 4,500 kilograms of caustic soda, and 3,000 liters of other liquid chemicals.

According to statement released by authorities, the seizure represents a significant blow to trafficking networks that supply clandestine drug laboratories in northern Mexico.

All Source News, an account on X that specializes on organized crime in Mexico, reported that the intercepted truck may be linked to the Cabrera Sarabia criminal group, one of the most entrenched criminal organizations in the state of Durango.

Investigations by InSight Crime describe the Cabrera Sarabia family as a powerful clan with both political and criminal ties based in the region.

Intelligence documents from Mexico's Defense Ministry trace the Cabrera Sarabia group's activities back to the 1990s. Over time, the family gained the trust of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and began purchasing cocaine to transport independently to the U.S. border, according to Infobae México.

For many years, the Cabrera Sarabia family worked alongside the Sinaloa Cartel, but their direct connection to Zambada strengthened after the arrest and extradition of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.

Los Cabrera, an armed wing of La Mayiza

After internal fighting broke out within the Sinaloa Cartel in September 2024, several factions were forced to choose sides. Groups such as Los Ninis aligned themselves with Los Chapitos, led by the sons of El Chapo Guzmán, while others pledged loyalty to La Mayiza, commanded by El Mayo's son, Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as "Mayito Flaco."

Among those siding with La Mayiza was Los Sarabia, now identified as one of its armed wings.

According to Milenio, since the conflict between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza began, the Cabrera Sarabia organization, whose influence has long been rooted in Durango, has sent convoys of armed men to Culiacán to back Zambada Sicairos.

Throughout the dispute, banners have appeared accusing the Cabrera Sarabia family of financing La Mayiza and maintaining alleged ties with political figures in Durango.