### Over 1,000 Seized Weapons Destroyed in Second Military Zone
On the morning of August 8, 2024, over 1,000 weapons were destroyed at the headquarters of the Second Military Zone. These firearms had been confiscated for their involvement in criminal activities.
During the ceremony, a total of 1,347 weapons were destroyed, including 386 long guns and 959 handguns, along with 1,333 magazines and 23,611 rounds of various calibers. Rafael Vázquez Hernández, Director General of Police and Municipal Traffic of Tijuana, emphasized Tijuana’s role in these seizures due to its position as both a border city and one with a high number of homicides, most of which involve firearms.
“We secure an average of 110 to 115 weapons per month, with 70% being handguns and 30% long guns,” Vázquez Hernández reported. He also noted that most of these weapons are ghost guns, assembled from parts purchased online from the United States.
Leopoldo López Tizoc, Secretary of Citizen Security of Baja California, highlighted the influence of the U.S. as a major arms producer, indicating that most of the weapons entering Mexico originate from the north. He also mentioned the entry of firearms from Europe and Asia due to the country’s extensive border.
“It’s important to understand that the country with the greatest production of arms is to our north; thus, it’s only natural that most weapons come from there,” López Tizoc added.
Currently, approximately 3,000 more weapons are stored at the war material depot in the Second Military Zone, waiting for the conclusion of investigations before their destruction.
The event was attended by the Commander of the Military Region of Baja California, Brigadier General Diplomate of the General Staff, José Roberto Montes de Oca; Chief Commissioner Marco Antonio Hernández Chávez, Coordinator of the National Guard in Baja California; David Aguilar Mendoza, Chief of Station for the National Intelligence Center in Baja California; Regional Prosecutor of Tijuana Rubén Alfredo Maximiliano Ramos Jiménez; as well as military personnel, members of the National Guard, and various other agencies.
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### Additional News: Stricter Measures on Arms Trafficking to Mexico
In related news, heightened measures are being implemented to combat the illegal arms trade from the U.S. to Mexico. Mexican authorities recently announced new collaborative efforts with U.S. law enforcement to monitor and intercept firearm shipments more effectively.
According to recent reports, checkpoints and cross-border inspections have intensified. The initiative aims to disrupt the supply chains of ghost guns and other illegal firearms making their way into Mexico.
López Tizoc commended the bilateral cooperation and highlighted its significance in reducing the flow of illegal arms contributing to violence in the region. “Stronger collaboration and stricter enforcement at the borders are crucial in our fight against illegal arms trafficking,” he remarked.
This development comes amidst ongoing discussions between the two countries to address security challenges and criminal activities stemming from cross-border arms smuggling. The renewed efforts signal a commitment to fostering a safer environment on both sides of the border.
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