**Drug Lab Under Military Watch in Ensenada’s Ignacio Zaragoza Ejido**
Ensenada continues to see military presence as elements of the National Defense Secretariat maintain their custody over a clandestine drug lab uncovered on November 4th. This operation, which came about from a reconnaissance mission by the Mexican Army, led to the discovery of a synthetic drug production facility near the border of Valle de Guadalupe and Tecate municipality, specifically within the Ignacio Zaragoza Ejido, positioned between Rancho La Hiedra and Rancho Valle Seco.
Authorities from the Attorney General’s Office have linked the operation of this laboratory to members of a criminal organization known as “Los Lara.” This group has established a stronghold in the Valle de Guadalupe region and is believed to collaborate with a faction of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in distributing and trafficking drugs.
During the raid, security forces seized approximately 7,320 liters and 2,400 kilograms of unidentified chemical substances, as well as various equipment including seven reactors, seven condensers, two centrifuges, and 15 L.P. gas tanks, all used for drug manufacturing. These findings have been handed over to the Attorney General’s Office in Ensenada, where authorities will pursue further investigations and conduct expert analyses to determine the nature and quantity of the substances.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection to this illegal operation.
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**Increased Surveillance in Drug-Prone Areas of Baja California**
Following the discovery of the clandestine lab in Ensenada, local authorities have ramped up surveillance and security measures in drug-prone areas within Baja California. The state is a known hotspot for drug trafficking activities, often involving violent crime syndicates vying for control.
Law enforcement agencies are focusing efforts on mapping out networks linked to major cartels like the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación organizations, which are considered primary players in the region. This includes deploying additional troops and equipment along key routes used for drug transportation, as well as collaborations with federal agencies to disrupt drug operations at their core.
Experts suggest that a comprehensive strategy, encompassing community engagement and preventive measures, is crucial for long-term safety and reduction of organized crime influence in the area. Local government is also working on initiatives to provide economic opportunities as an alternative to illegal activities, aiming to undermine the recruitment base of these criminal groups.
As these strategies take shape, authorities remain vigilant and hope to curb the influx of illegal substances while ensuring the safety and security of residents in Baja California.