Sinaloa: Culiacán and Mocorito area schools closed due to 'huachicolera' violence

Translated by El Profe for Borderland Beat from Noroeste

Note: A Huachicolero is "one who sells adulterated (possibly stolen) gasoline outside of normal distribution channels."

Noroeste traveled through the area of Guamuchilera, Recoveco and Villa Angel Flores, where it was observed that the schools of these communities remained closed. 

Schools in the communities of Caimanero, El Limón of Los Ramos, Tamarindo, Guamuchilera and Recoveco temporarily closed due to violence caused by criminal groups that are struggling to control the sale of illegal fuel.

In the community of El Tamarindo the inhabitants were questioned about the reason for the absence of educational establishments, and they responded that it was due to fear of the "scoundrels.”

Since the 15th of April videos began to circulate of armed men in different points of the central zone of Sinaloa, like Culiacancito, El Tamarindo and El Limón de Los Ramos.

In addition, the state Attorney-General's office confirmed the illegal deprivation of a person's freedom in Culiacancito.

There was also a confrontation in El Limón de Los Ramos, where a person was injured in a circumstantial manner, and the burning of a vehicle and a house in El Tamarindo.

The Ministry of Public Security established that this violence could be caused by the struggle of criminal groups that want to control the market for the sale of stolen gasoline.

In the videos that circulated this week, you can see armed men talking about the leadership of different people in that area. Until yesterday night, no authority of the State or the Federation has confirmed that they are true.

However, the violence in those towns has already caused the temporary closure of schools.

A teacher confirmed to Noroeste that this temporary closure is due to fear of teachers and students of attacks that involve innocent people.

Authorities find nothing

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Security indicated that after the videos were broadcast, three reports were received by the emergency number warning about armed groups.

It was indicated that therefore a coordinated operation was made between the Army and the State Preventive Police, and that the area was flown over while land routes were also made, but that no indication was found that could represent a danger for the population.

Yesterday, during Noroeste’s tour, it was observed that a helicopter from the Ministry of Public Security did fly over the those towns; but no local police or armed forces vehicles were observed.

In the statement it was established that the videos that circulated on social networks, where alleged armed groups traverse the communities, are being analyzed to determine where and when they were made.

In addition, the Ministry of Security said that this area is controlled and the security operation continues, so there are conditions for school activities to be carried out normally.