Federal authorities dismantled a major criminal cell over the weekend, arresting 20 people and seizing weapons and exotic animals. 

The joint operation targeted a network allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and featured simultaneous raids on 36 properties in the states of Hidalgo, Jalisco and Michoacán.

In an official statement, Mexico’s Security Ministry said the Aug. 21-23 operation was the result of intelligence and investigative work by the Defense Ministry, the Navy, the Security Ministry, the Federal Attorney General’s Office and the National Guard.

The statement said that the operation resulted “in the arrest of 20 individuals linked to the CJNG,” adding that “authorities seized 10 firearms (seven handguns and three rifles), drugs, 113 vehicles, tigers, panthers, as well as other animals and birds kept in inadequate conditions.” 

Officials also confiscated cash and jewelry, communications equipment, a drone and a drone jammer, while specifying that in addition to the firearms seized, agents gathered up magazines and cartridges of various calibers. The drugs confiscated were said to be unspecified doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as marijuana.

The Defense Ministry said the 20 detainees were transferred in a Mexican Navy aircraft and placed at the disposal of the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) in Mexico City “to continue with the corresponding investigations and expert analyses to determine their legal status.”

Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said the goal of these operations is not only “to stop those who generate violence, but to steadily weaken the operational, logistical and financial capabilities of criminal organizations.”

García Harfuch said the authorities will “continue with coordinated intelligence, investigation and territorial presence efforts” to protect and defend the public interest.

The outcome of this latest tactical operation brings to 32 the total number of alleged CJNG members apprehended by security forces in less than a week. 

On Aug. 19, the Army led a major security operation in Michoacán targeting CJNG leader Heraclio Guerrero Martínez, alias “El Tío Lako.” The 15-hour raid resulted in nine to 12 arrests — including the target’s partner and daughter. 

With reports from Excelsior, Milenio and Aristegui Noticias