**Drone Used to Deploy Explosive Device on Vehicle in Culiacán: Security Official Reports**
On December 3, 2024, federal security chief Omar Hamid García Harfuch revealed that a drone was utilized to drop an explosive device onto a vehicle in Culiacán, leading to an explosion. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the community of La Limita de Itaje, did not result in any injuries, according to reports from the security official.
During a morning press briefing at the National Palace, García Harfuch clarified that the explosion was not caused by a car bomb, contradicting earlier speculations. He confirmed the presence of a burnt vehicle at the scene but emphasized that no individuals were harmed. The vehicle was found to contain a Barrett .50 caliber firearm, a discovery made shortly after a prolonged shootout that lasted nearly an hour.
The security official also mentioned that the affected area is a rural settlement outside the main city of Culiacán. He highlighted ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle groups responsible for the increased violence in the region. “We’ve been making significant arrests, capturing those who generate violence,” García Harfuch stated, while acknowledging that concerns such as vehicle theft and business robbery continue to persist.
Authorities have ramped up security operations in Culiacán, deploying military units to strengthen safety measures, particularly along major roadways. García Harfuch assured the public of continued efforts to combat crime, indicating that recent skirmishes have primarily occurred outside the city’s center.
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**Additional Context: Rising Incidents Involving Drones in Criminal Activities**
In recent months, there has been a troubling increase in the use of drones for criminal purposes across various regions in Mexico. These devices have become a tool for drug cartels and organized crime groups to deploy explosives, conduct surveillance, and communicate discreetly.
This alarming trend underscores the technological adaptation within criminal organizations, posing new challenges for law enforcement. Authorities are working on strategies to counteract drone-related crimes, including the development of drone jamming technology and improved tracking systems to monitor unauthorized flights.
National security teams are focusing on intelligence-sharing and coordination at both local and federal levels to address these sophisticated threats. Recent legislative proposals aim to regulate the use and sale of drones more strictly, with specific measures to prevent their illicit use.
The federal government continues to invest resources in enhancing security infrastructure and training programs, geared towards equipping security forces to tackle this evolving landscape of technological crime.