**Sinaloa Public Safety Chief Refutes Claims on Car Explosion**
On December 3, 2024, Gerardo Mérida Sánchez, head of the Public Safety Department in Sinaloa, publicly refuted statements made by Omar Hamid García Harfuch, the Federal Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection. García Harfuch had claimed that an unknown group used a drone to attack a vehicle leading to an explosion in the early morning hours in La Limita de Itaje, Culiacán.
During a press conference, Mérida Sánchez presented photographs showing a drone and a device similar to a camera. However, he dismissed the idea that the drone was used to detonate the pickup truck. When asked if a drone was involved, Mérida Sánchez confirmed, “No, the drone was not used for that. The general perception in Mexico regarding the burning vehicle may suggest it was an explosive device, but a car bomb can be ruled out.”
Mérida Sánchez added that the explosion might have resulted from the ignition of the gasoline tank, illustrated by the destruction of the truck bed while the cab remained intact. He suggested that a bullet might have caused the car to catch fire due to the projectile’s heat and speed, or some other incendiary action might have occurred, but not necessarily because of the drone itself.
Photos taken by local authorities revealed the vehicle’s doors open and a completely burnt Barrett M82 .50 caliber rifle on its seats. Nearby, the license plate and part of the bumper lay on the ground, along with “ponchallantas” (tire spikes) and a drone with broken propellers.
In a federal press briefing, García Harfuch acknowledged the vehicle fire but dismissed theories of a car bomb, stating it was outside Culiacán city limits and clarifying that no injuries resulted from the incident. He remarked on recent Government efforts targeting violent crime and reinforced the presence of defense forces in Sinaloa.
—
**Secondary Update: Security Situation Continues to Evolve in Sinaloa**
In the latest developments, Mexican authorities continue to address rising security challenges in regions known for high levels of drug cartel activity. The Governor of Sinaloa recently emphasized more robust strategic initiatives to combat organized crime throughout the state.
Efforts have included increased patrols and checkpoints, aiming to disrupt illegal operations. Despite these measures, there are still ongoing concerns within certain areas about the prevalence of crimes such as vehicle theft and business robberies.
The Mexican government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining law and order and ensuring public safety, with significant emphasis placed on intelligence-led interventions and collaboration with federal entities. As part of this strategy, there’s been a noticeable enhancement in technological resources used for surveillance and monitoring to effectively respond to emerging threats.
Moving forward, it is expected that these concerted efforts will yield positive results by reducing crime rates and increasing community trust in local and federal authorities alike.