**20 Individuals Linked to Armed Offense in Mexicali Proceedings**
The General Prosecutor’s Office, through its Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, has successfully initiated legal proceedings against 20 individuals for alleged involvement in crimes associated with the possession of firearms and ammunition intended exclusively for military use. The incident traced back to an armed confrontation between civilians and members of the National Defense Secretariat in the town of Golfo de Santa Clara, San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, which resulted in two fatalities. This confrontation led to the immediate detention of the suspects, alleged associates of the criminal organization known as “PLEBADA DE 7 4”.
The individuals detained include Carlos Ernesto Gutiérrez Castillo, Daniel Orlando Camargo Yáñez, Adrián Enrique Castro Vargas, Eduardo Francisco Pérez Sicarios, José Luis Bacasegua Barriga, Santiago Esau Gómez Enríquez, Filiberto López Ortiz, Alan Gerzain Salgado Trujillo, Andrik Yahir Ávila Silva, Sergio Moreno Sánchez, Esteban Morales Navarro, Jesús Alejandro García Assaf, José Armando Cervantes Canseco, Jesús Antonio Osuna Ortega, José Luis Samano Lastra, Humberto Guadalupe López, Luis Alberto Villaseñor Maciel, Félix Cristin Saucedo, Juan Carlos Rivera Enríquez, and Adrián Romero Félix.
During the operation, authorities seized an arsenal consisting of 32 long firearms, including two Barrett rifles, along with magazines, over 18,000 cartridges of various calibers, eight explosive devices, ten detonators, eleven tactical vests, and nine vehicles. The Federal Public Ministry presented robust evidence leading to the judge at the Federal Penal Justice Center in Mexicali to link them to the process, implementing preventive detention as a precautionary measure and setting a three-month term for further investigation. The accused remain in the Mexicali Social Reintegration Center as the legal proceedings continue.
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**Increased Efforts Against Organized Crime in Baja California**
Recent months have seen a surge in efforts to curb organized crime activities across Baja California, indicating a proactive stance from law enforcement agencies. The region has grappled with increasing incidents of violence and criminal activity related to drug cartels and organized crime syndicates. This latest operation in Mexicali highlights a broader strategy to disrupt illegal activities and dismantle organizations that pose significant threats to public safety.
Officials have reinforced collaborations between local and federal authorities to bolster intelligence and resource allocation in targeting key criminal figures and operations. This holistic approach underscores the critical need for sustained engagement and innovative policing methods to combat the evolving tactics of organized crime groups. As these efforts progress, there’s a focused intent on restoring public confidence and ensuring safer communities throughout the region.