# Increase in Marijuana Plantations in Tecate
In the obscure canyons with ample humidity found at the foot of Cerro Bola in Valle de Las Palmas, the secluded yet fruitful hills of Cerro Azul, and the mountainous regions of La Rumorosa, authorities have documented a rise in marijuana plantations.
Once harvested, the product is processed and packaged, primarily for trafficking to the United States. The remainder is distributed within Mexico, including rural and urban areas of Tecate, along with the municipalities of Tijuana, Rosarito, and Mexicali. The quality of the marijuana determines its commercial value.
The harvested plants are also used to produce wax—a substance extracted from cannabinoids mixed with butane and marijuana—primarily used in electronic cigarettes.
“Drugs are sold in doses or as per the customer’s request. For instance, a small bag of consumable marijuana costs around 50 pesos, with the amount varying based on quality. There are various types, including wax mixtures. The most expensive substance is typically cocaine, priced from 500 pesos upwards,” an informant disclosed.
On August 20, 2024, authorities reported finding and destroying a plantation in La Rumorosa following a citizen’s tip. The 1,000 square meter site housed 6,000 marijuana plants. The plants were uprooted and burnt immediately by agents from the Secretariat of Citizen Security and the State Forces, without informing federal authorities.
“Agents continuously deploy to areas identified as high-risk for marijuana plantations. They spend days exploring these regions, particularly around Testerazo and Valle de Las Palmas, where the terrain provides natural camouflage and hydration for the plantations. Such areas pose risks to outdoor enthusiasts who might stumble upon these illegal operations,” a Tecate official from the Secretariat of National Defense elaborated.
## Testimony of a Narcotraffic Slave
State investigators noted discovering a plantation between Cerro Azul and Valle de Las Palmas in 2021, as well as a synthetic laboratory staffed by workers, mostly from the Sinaloa Cartel. These workers, both men and women, were lured with promises of agricultural work but ended up forced to labor without pay.
Joaquín, 45, recounted being deceived and transported to a plantation where he worked up to 20 hours a day in extreme conditions, without food. He managed to escape when supervision relaxed, experiencing severe mistreatment during his ordeal.
“I was forced to work under the sun without food. Once, I ran non-stop until I reached the highway, where a truck driver saved me,” Joaquín narrated, emphasizing his enduring fear and the humiliation of his captors.
## Seizure of Narcotic Laboratories
Since 2021, at least five narco-laboratories and numerous plantations have been destroyed in Tecate. Local authorities report that marijuana production has doubled compared to previous years, with organized crime groups recruiting workers nationwide to maintain operations.
Security teams have identified operators from major cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Arellano Félix Cartel, managing plantations and laboratories. Despite interventions, some law enforcement agents allegedly enable these activities in exchange for bribes.
The production of marijuana in these secluded areas offers cartels significant cost reductions, enhancing profitability. ‘Burreros’ transport the ready product into the United States, evading detection despite security protocols.
## Additional Incidents
Recent months have seen numerous discoveries and destruction of large marijuana plantations. For instance, a plot with 102 plants was found in June at Luis Echeverría, also known as El Hongo. In August, Sedena incinerated a plantation near the Tecate-Ensenada highway, initiating a forest fire. Similarly, in September, 5,000 plants were seized at Rancho Santa Verónica.
The area has seen several other busts, including large-scale plantations and narco-laboratories containing significant quantities of production equipment and precursor chemicals. Security experts highlight the challenges and local social impacts of these illicit operations.
### Related News: Mexican Security Forces Continue to Fight Drug Trafficking
Mexico’s battle against drug trafficking continues as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle organized crime networks across the country. Recent operations include the arrest of several high-profile cartel leaders and the discovery of extensive narcotic production facilities.
On September 1, 2024, the Mexican government announced a substantial increase in resources dedicated to combating drug trafficking, focusing on technology to detect and disband criminal activities. This initiative underscores the urgency and scale of the drug crisis in Mexico, with authorities determined to stem the flow of narcotics across borders.
As the government persists in this fight, community cooperation and international support remain crucial in addressing the far-reaching consequences of drug trafficking for global and local security.
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