Federal authorities recover military-grade weapons and armored vehicles from residential properties following a coordinated security operation in Sinaloa
CULIACÁN, Sinaloa — Mexican federal and state authorities seized a significant cache of high-caliber weapons, tactical gear, and armored vehicles inside a residential neighborhood of Culiacán, underscoring the continued presence of organized crime activity in areas once considered low risk.
The operation was led by Mexico’s Interinstitutional Security Group, with participation from the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the Mexican Army, National Guard, Navy (SEMAR), Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), and state-level law enforcement agencies. Officials confirmed the action followed the execution of two Technical Investigation Orders (OTI) authorized by federal prosecutors.
Authorities said the operation was triggered by a citizen report filed on January 10, alerting law enforcement to acts of vandalism at multiple homes inside the Gran Canaria residential development, a gated community in Culiacán. Residents reported property damage and suspicious activity, prompting a rapid deployment of security forces.
According to official statements, investigators determined that a criminal group had entered the neighborhood, vandalized several homes, and later abandoned vehicles, firearms, and tactical equipment while fleeing the area. During a subsequent sweep, officers identified two properties with forced entry, where weapons and equipment were visible from outside—establishing probable cause for federal intervention.
Military-Grade Arsenal Recovered
Inside the first residence, authorities seized what they described as a high-powered arsenal, including:
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Two 5.56 x 45 mm assault rifles, one loaded with approximately 60 rounds
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A 40 mm grenade launcher
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Seven additional magazines and more than 260 rounds of 5.56 ammunition
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A box containing roughly 50 rounds of 9 mm ammunition
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Two tactical vests, multiple cell phones, and assorted documents
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An armored Volkswagen Tiguan
The second property yielded additional weapons and vehicles, including:
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A 5.56 x 45 mm rifle and a 7.62 x 39 mm rifle, both loaded
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Extra magazines with live ammunition
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A Nissan Frontier pickup truck
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An armored Audi Q5
No arrests were reported at the time of the operation.
Ongoing Federal Investigation
All seized items were transferred to the Federal Attorney General’s Office, which will continue the investigation to determine the origin of the weapons and vehicles and their potential connection to recent criminal incidents in the region.
Security analysts note that the recovery of armored civilian vehicles and military-grade weapons inside residential zones reflects a broader shift in how organized crime groups operate—blurring lines between combat zones and civilian neighborhoods. For U.S. Latino communities with family, economic, or migratory ties to Sinaloa, these developments resonate beyond Mexico’s borders, shaping concerns about regional stability, cross-border security, and migration pressures.
Authorities urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity, emphasizing that citizen cooperation played a critical role in initiating the operation.
