Five criminal groups, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), have been identified as responsible for extorting the lemon sector in the state of Michoacán.
It was also reported that the accused criminal groups exert pressure on farmers and distributors in various regions of the state.
This information was released by Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, head of the Secretariat of National Defense (Defensa), during the Security Cabinet conference held on December 14.
Authorities also highlighted the preventative measures and results achieved by federal and state agents in reducing crime rates in Michoacán’s agricultural sector. According to the authorities, the following five criminal groups have been identified as perpetrating extortion against the lemon-growing sector in Michoacán:
Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
Los Troyas
Los Viagras
La Quiringa
Knights Templar
Regarding the actions implemented by the Mexican government to combat extortion against farmers, Ricardo Trevilla Trejo highlighted that six task forces are currently deployed in six lemon-producing municipalities:
Tepalcatepec
Buenavista
Apatzingán
Parácuaro
Mujica
Aguililla
In these municipalities, according to reports, 860 personnel, two intelligence units, and two helicopters supporting operations are working.
