Two Methamphetamine Labs Discovered in the Mountains of Chihuahua

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat

Two methamphetamine laboratories were located in the Sierra Tarahumara—between the municipalities of Morelos and Guachochi in Chihuahua—during a joint operation conducted by the State Investigation Agency (AEI), the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Strategic Operations. At the site, authorities discovered two facilities suspected of being used for the production of synthetic drugs, as well as an encampment containing provisions for human consumption.

The discovery took place approximately nine hours from Chihuahua City, in a border zone between the municipalities of Guachochi and Morelos, where the authorities had arrived.

Officials explained that at the first encampment and laboratory—an open area covering approximately 850 square meters and divided into five distinct sections—the following items were found: 19 one-thousand-liter drums, 2 boilers, and pallets stacked with sacks bearing the label “Tquisa”; 17 one-thousand-liter containers; 1 restroom facility; and 2 water storage containers.

Also discovered were 14 vessels containing acetone; 14 containers holding a white substance; 16 containers holding a black substance; 15 ovens; 7 tanks connected to the ovens via hoses; 10 small tanks; 61 connected gas cylinders; 42 additional gas cylinders; and 4 tanks containing a black substance.

Meanwhile, at the second camp-laboratory—situated in an open area measuring approximately 40 meters—authorities located: a stockpile of sacks containing a white substance, two condensers, two boilers, six 1,000-liter containers, and five drums holding liquid substances.

Additionally, during their inspection of the site, authorities discovered a camp measuring approximately 20 by 15 meters, stocked with provisions for human consumption.

Once the evidence had been secured, the relevant investigative procedures were carried out; therefore, further information regarding this incident will be released at a later date.