Security Minister: Captors Mistook Abducted Miners for Rival Cartel Members
In a recent statement, Federal Security Minister Omar García Harfuch revealed new insights into the abduction of ten miners in Sinaloa. Four individuals connected to the crime have been arrested and told authorities that they mistakenly identified the miners as members of a rival cartel faction.
Abduction Incident Overview
The miners were kidnapped on January 23, while working for the Canadian company Vizsla Silver at its project in Panuco, Concordia. Understanding the circumstances of their disappearance, García Harfuch stated that the arrested suspects belong to the ‘Los Chapitos’ faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Recent Developments
- Authorities recently discovered bodies on property in Concordia, Sinaloa.
- As of now, five of the ten victims have been identified.
- The mining workers were taken from a nearby housing facility.
Context of the Rivalry
The conflict between ‘Los Chapitos’ and ‘Los Mayos’ factions has a long history. This rivalry escalated in July 2024 when the leader of ‘Los Mayos,’ Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, was arrested in the United States. This led to tensions and violence around their territorial disputes.
Company Response
In light of the tragic events, Vizsla Silver expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its employees. CEO Michael Konnert conveyed condolences to the families and emphasized the community’s grief following the discovery of the deceased miners.
Security Conditions in Sinaloa
García Harfuch noted that there had been no prior reports of extortion or threats against Vizsla Silver’s employees. He stated that the mining operations had not previously indicated any ongoing security issues. Nonetheless, the company temporarily suspended fieldwork at its Panuco project citing security concerns.
Resumption of Operations
In May, Vizsla Silver announced the resumption of its activities at the Panuco site, citing improved security conditions. Konnert highlighted the normalization of the situation in the region, allowing operations to continue.
Conclusion
The investigation into the miners’ abduction illustrates the complex security landscape in Sinaloa. The tragic loss serves as a reminder of the ongoing violence tied to cartel rivalries in the region.
