Large Seizure of CDG Weapons & 6 Specially Armored Trucks in Miguel Alemán, Tamps

"HEARST" and "MX" for Borderland Beat 

During an unspecified operation in Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, members of the Special Operations Group (GOPES) seized a total of 23 long barrel firearms, six armored vehicles and over 4,000 bullets. 

In the police report, the nature and goal of the GOPES operation in Miguel Alemán that resulted in this seizure was not detailed, nor were they any details in regards to if any detainees were taken. What was revealed from the police report was that a total of 23 long barrel firearms were seized.

In the photos released by officials multiple AK rifles of different variants can be seen, as well as multiple AR15/M4 style rifles. Of note, on the right side, a possible IWI Galil ACE can be seen. Along with the firearms, roughly 4,600 bullets and 81 mags were seized, as well as 16 tactical vests and 91 kilos of marijuana. 

Photos that allegedly depict some of the armored vehicles that were seized. 

And, quite possibly most valuable of all, six vehicles which were described as "specially armored" were seized in the operation. 

Miguel Alemán is located in the area known as La Frontera Chica ("the small border"), which is known for its lack of US Border Patrol surveillance. Members of organized crime have been known to take advantage of the unique opportunities the small border provides for smuggling, both for human and drugs. Control of this lucrative smuggling territory is fiercely fought over by the Gulf Cartel (Cártel del Golfo, CDG) and Northeast Cartel (Cártel del Noreste, CDN).

Miguel Aleman is especially sought after because it contains a legal port of entry into the US and despite prevailing misconceptions, according to data from the US government, most drugs that cross the border come through existing ports of entry.

As reported by MX earlier this month, the Cartel del Golfo (CDG) commanders in this area are Cesar Morfin Morfin, alias "El Primito" and his brother Alvaro, alias "R-8". They have the support of another high-ranking CDG member known as "Metro 37" and/or "Comandante Robledo". The CDG operating in the area of the border stretch along Texas has the backing of the Nuevo Leon faction headed by "Comandante Cubano".

Reports say that the CDN commanders in the area are Ricardo Chapa ("El Ricky") and another suspect simply known as "El Amarillo". These individuals report to the CDN boss Juan Gerardo Treviño Chavez ("El Huevo").

Earlier this month, the Army (SEDENA) found a CDN narcocamp and safehouse in Miguel Alemán while on a security tour. This discovery led to a shootout where five CDN members died. A week before this SEDENA shootout, nine dead members of the Gulf Cartel were left on the side of the road by alleged CDN members in Los Guerra, just west of Miguel Alemán.

Sources: Excelsior, Lopez Doriga, El Manana, La Tarde

Photo Credit: ElGuzman on Twitter