Federal and state security forces executed coordinated raids on May 12, 2025, in three Oaxaca municipalities, seizing firearms, narcotics and vehicles as part of efforts to dismantle organized crime in the Istmo and Costa regions.
Oaxaca, Mexico — On May 12, 2025, federal and state security forces mounted simultaneous operations in three municipalities across the Istmo and Costa regions of Oaxaca, resulting in the seizure of firearms, illicit narcotics, and unauthorized vehicles, and the detention of one suspect. The actions, undertaken by personnel from the National Guard, the Mexican Army, the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), and the Oaxaca State Prosecutor’s Office, form part of an ongoing strategy to weaken organized-crime structures in the state.
In Barrio La Soledad, authorities executed a court-approved search of a private residence where one individual was taken into custody. Inside the property, officers discovered and confiscated two long guns, two handguns, two magazines, 19 rounds of ammunition, and various doses of narcotics with an estimated street value of MXN 48,384. All seized items were placed under the control of the Public Ministry for further investigation.
A second sweep in Santiago Pinotepa Nacional led to the recovery of one long gun, two handguns, eight magazines, and 396 rounds of ammunition. Agents also seized approximately 1.5 kg of marijuana, multiple doses of methamphetamine, a laptop computer, a digital camera, three motorcycles, and two private vehicles. No additional arrests were reported in this location.
Further south, in the municipalities of Santa Cruz Huatulco and Santa María Huatulco, joint teams from Semar, the Army, the State Police, and the Oaxaca Prosecutor’s Office conducted searches at two separate homes. Authorities recovered one long gun, one handgun, five magazines loaded with 19 cartridges, as well as doses of cocaine and marijuana. This phase of the operation concluded without detentions.
Officials emphasized that these operations target key trafficking routes and criminal footholds in Oaxaca’s coastal and Istmo corridors. “By coordinating across federal and state agencies, we aim to dismantle the logistical networks of organized crime,” said a spokesperson for the State Prosecutor’s Office. All evidence and contraband have been secured for forensics and follow-up prosecutions.
The raids underscore the Mexican government’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and reducing violence in regions historically exploited by organized-crime groups. Authorities have pledged to continue intelligence-driven actions and community engagements to restore security and public confidence throughout Oaxaca.
