F M S O Foreign Military Studies Office 731 McClellan Ave Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027 fmsoborder.watch@ugov.gov Use of these articles does not reflect official endorsement. Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions. This report is a compilation of extract translations of Spanish language open source information and not evaluated intelligence. The complete articles in Spanish are available from FMSO. This briefing is FOUO and must be protected and controlled in accordance with U.S. standards. Latin America Military and Security Watch Table of Contents MEXICO NUEVO LEON Los Zetas Murder Female Blogger in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas 24 September 2011 CHIHUAHUA Narco Banners Directed to El Chapo and Mayo Zambada Posted in Chihuahua, Chihuahua 24 September 2011 Gunfight between Soldiers and Gunmen during the Grito Festival Leaves Eight Gunmen Dead in Rosales, Chihuahua 21 September 2011 JALISCO 130 Metric Tons of Chemical Precursors and 180 Kilograms of Crystal Meth Seized from Drug Lab in Zapotlanejo, Jalisco 23 September 2011 SSP Identifies Six Cartels Operating in Jalisco 22 September 2011 MICHOACAN Gunfight between Soldiers and Gunmen Reported in Churintzio, Michoacan 22 September 2011 Video Report Reveals Modus Operandi of Los Caballeros Templarios Lookouts in Michoacan 18 September 2011 Soldiers Arrest One and Seize 278 Kilograms of Marijuana in UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1
Nocupetaro, Michoacan 22 September 2011 SINALOA Soldiers Dismantle Drug Lab and Seize 100 Kilograms and 105 Liters of Methamphetamine in Culiacan, Sinaloa 22 September 2011 Hitmen Kill Nephew of Amado Carrillo Fuentes near Novalato, Sinaloa 23 September 2011 FEDERAL DISTRICT 398,450 Psychotropic Tablets Seized at the Mexico City International Airport 21 September 2011 Federal Police Seize 235 Kilograms of Marijuana in Mexico City 22 September 2011 GUERRERO Dismembered Victim Recovered from Abandoned Vehicle in Acapulco, Guerrero 20 September 2011 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2
MEXICO NUEVO LEON Los Zetas Murder Female Blogger in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas 24 September 2011 On 24 September 2011 at around 0700 hours, authorities recovered the decapitated body of a female murder victim at the Christopher Columbus Monument located at Leandro Valle Avenue and Paseo Colon [27.466489,- 99.502831] in the Madero neighborhood of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. Due to the state with the body was in, authorities believe she was tortured before being killed. Those items recovered from the area surrounding her body included two keyboards, a CD/DVD burner, and various computer cables. The narco message left with the bodies read as follows: OK Nuevo Laredo en Vivo and social networking sites. I am the Nena of Laredo and here I am because of my reports as well as yours for those that don t want to believe it, this happened to me for what I did and for confiding in SEDENA and MARINA. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely: The Nena of Laredo ZZZZ (Los Zetas). Comment: On 13 September 2011, Los Zetas operators murdered a male and female couple and hung their naked bodies from a bridge in Nuevo Laredo for allegedly reporting on organized criminal activity via Al Rojo Vivo, Blog del Narco, and other social networking/blogging sites. Spanish Source: http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=282381 CHIHUAHUA Narco Banners Directed to El Chapo and Mayo Zambada Posted in Chihuahua, Chihuahua 24 September 2011 Early on 24 September 2011, three narco banners directed to El Chapo and Mayo Zambada were posted in Ciudad Chihuahua, Chihuahua. The location in which each banner was posted was reported as follows: Banner one: was posted on the chain link fence of UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 3
the Altec assembly plant (this plant faces the De La Juventud beltway) [28.657755,-106.12793]. Banner two: was hung from a bridge along the Lombardo Toledano beltway [28.652633,- 106.045532] and 20 de Noviembre Street [28.626419,-106.070938]. Banner three: was hung from a pedestrian bridge located on Pacheco Avenue and J.J. Calvo Street [28.623104,-106.063042]. The message in the banners read as follows: Chapo and Mayo: you fucked up. You killed another innocent person. We had agreed that we were not going to do this. You started with your crap again because your incompetence doesn t allow you to beat us. Sincerely, New Cartel from Juarez. Spanish Source: http://www.historiasdelnarco.com/2011/09/narcomantas-en-chihuahua-para-elchapo.html Gunfight between Soldiers and Gunmen during the Grito Festival Leaves Eight Gunmen Dead in Rosales, Chihuahua 21 September 2011 Late on 15 September 2011, a gunfight between soldiers from the 66 th Infantry Battalion and a group of gunmen occurred during the Grito festival in Rosales [28.187033,-105.556297] Chihuahua. The gunfight resulted in the death of eight hitmen, and left four other individuals wounded. No additional information regarding this incident has been reported. Spanish Source: http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/09/imagenes-enfrentamiento-enchihuahua.html?m=1 JALISCO 130 Metric Tons of Chemical Precursors and 180 Kilograms of Crystal Meth Seized from Drug Lab in Zapotlanejo, Jalisco 23 September 2011 An anonymous tip regarding the presence of armed individuals led XV Military Zone soldiers to a location near El Durazno village in Zapotlanejo [20.623868,-103.067036], Jalisco. While searching the area, soldiers discovered a synthetic drug laboratory that is considered to be the largest of its kind to be dismantled in Jalisco. The structure that houses the lab was reported as being a fourstory building equipped to accomodate about UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 4
30 workers. Amenities of this location included a refrigeration room, a washing room, a kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a warehouse. Those items seized from this lab were reported as follows: Approximately 130 metric tons of chemical precursors to include 25.5 metric tons of hydrochloric ammoniac and 1.25 metric tons of caustic soda 180 kilograms of crystal meth (172) 200 liter plastic containers (125) 145 liter plastic containers (121) 200 liter metallic containers (72) 20 liter containers (45) 500 liter plastic containers (29) 50 liter steel barrels 28 gas masks (25) 20 liter barrels 17 flasks 15 distillers (11) 500 liter stainless steel pots 11 oxygen tanks 8 press machines 5 dryers 5 fans 3 condensers 3 burners 1 digital scale (1) 15,000 L capacity stainless steel vat Authorities have concluded that the dismantled drug lab belonged to either La Resistencia or the New Generation Cartel of Jalisco. Finally, soldiers believe that workers at the drug lab were able to escape before their arrival, and for this reason, no arrests were carried out. Comment: To date in 2011, 51 drug labs have been dismantled by soldiers assigned to the XV Military zone. Spanish Source: http://www.mundonarco.com/2011/09/militares-desmantelan-narcolaboratorio.html UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 5
SSP Identifies Six Cartels Operating in Jalisco 22 September 2011 Luis Najera Gutierrez Velazco, the SSP spokesperson in Jalisco, reported that the following cartels are actively operating in Jalisco: Pacific Cartel (Sinaloa Cartel) Los Zetas Gulf Cartel Los Caballeros Templarios La Resistencia New Generation Cartel of Jalisco Of these, the Pacific Cartel and the New Generation Cartel from Jalisco are believed to have the strongest presence. Spanish Source: http://www.mundonarco.com/2011/09/seis-carteles-se-disputan-jalisco-ssp.html MICHOACAN Gunfight between Soldiers and Gunmen Reported in Churintzio, Michoacan 22 September 2011 On 22 September 2011 at approximately 1430 hours, a confrontation between soldiers and a group of at least 20 gunmen was reported in the San Juan Aramutaro neighborhood of Churintzio [20.150638,- 102.065392], Michoacan. Details regarding this confrontational reported as follows: It was initiated following a run-in with the group (traveling in three vehicles) Once in contact with the soldiers, the gunmen opened fire on them during which time soldiers hit the engine of one of the white GMC Sierra vehicles in which the gunmen were traveling in. This forced the gunmen to abandon the vehicle and attempt to escape on foot (at the intersection of Independencia Sur and Rayon Street) Following the conclusion of this confrontation, it was reported that one unidentified gunman was killed as he attempted to escape through La Casita restaurant located on Independencia Street. The rest managed to escape. Items seized in conjunction with this incident included a blue Ford Lobo pick-up, a GMC Sierra van, and an undetermined quantity of weapons and drugs. Comment: During the confrontation, a house started on fire after stray bullets struck a stationary gas tank in its vicinity. Spanish Source: http://www.mundonarco.com/2011/09/comando-armado-se-enfrenta-al-ejercito.html UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 6
Video Report Reveals Modus Operandi of Los Caballeros Templarios Lookouts in Michoacan 18 September 2011 The Mexican press released a video report regarding organized crime activity in the state of Michoacan that reveals the manner in which lookouts operating under the control of Los Caballeros Templarios carry out operations in Apatzingan [19.08402,-102.349491]. The video was filmed while 43th Military Zone soldiers were responding to an anonymous tip regarding two suspicious vehicles travelling along the Presa de (inaudible)-san Lazaro Cardenas highway. During the trip, soldiers heard lookouts reporting their location via radio transmissions. A partial translation of the audio has been translated as follows: Audio One Lookout one: 3 have just left from San Judas, and they are speeding up and are heading towards San Marcos. Lookout two: I didn t get any of that, can you please repeat it? There is a lot of noise. Lookout three: copy, copy, San Marcos, thank you. Lookout one: Moving from Victoria towards the railroad tracks. Five 53 type units (the number 53 refers to the soldiers in this instance and is used as a code for them) Audio Two Lookout one: Moving two ranas (literally translates to a frog; but in this sense, is referring to green military vehicles) and three seized vehicles to the carambas 3-42 (referring to the Lazaro Cardenas Monument). Lookout one: Moving two 5-3 ranas towards the pantano. Look out. (the word pantano literally translates as marsh but in this context it is believed that the lookouts refer to a panteon cemetery). Lookout two: Good copy, thank you. Lookout three: Thank you very much. Lookout four: Two ranas moving from San Marcos to the pantano. Refugio and Madrono: look out. (the new source also added that women, to include taco stand vendors, taxi drivers, UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 7
popsicle vendors, street stand vendors, and persons in charge of corner stores can serve as lookouts). Lookout five: Copy. San Marcos. Thank you. Lookout six: Copy, we will be on the lookout, good copy. Lookout seven: Carbonero look out!! Audio Three Lookout one: There is a Tope (refers to a military checkpoint) with 5-3 near the pantano by the Y. Also, there are three ranas and one 53 grande (During this same transmission, the word grande was utilized to signify a large number of soldiers traveling in one vehicle. It was also reported that from the time one of the convoys left the local military installation up until they set up a checkpoint, seven separate lookouts were involved in reporting on the activities of soldiers) Audio Four Lookout one: We are still here, copy. Lookout two: Michoacan, Michoacan, Michoacan. Lookout three: One grande moving towards the pantano. One rana moving from San Marcos towards the pantano. Lookout four (female): San Marcos, San Marcos. Are the other two pick-ups coming too? Or what happened to them? Lookout three: Be on the lookout. Be on the lookout. They have their lights off. They can move anytime. Madrino and Refugio: be on the lookout please. There are three ranas and one grande at a tope near the pantano. Lookout four (female): Ok, we are still here and we will keep watching. Thank you. Comment: It was noted that nearly all radio communication used by the lookouts are in code. Spanish Source: http://www.mundonarco.com/2011/09/video-halcones-de-los-caballeros.html UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 8
Soldiers Arrest One and Seize 278 Kilograms of Marijuana in Nocupetaro, Michoacan 22 September 2011 On 21 September 2011 at approximately 1630 hours, soldiers conducting routine patrols arrested Fernando Garibaldi PINEDA Munos, 31, aka El Fer (also aka El Gordo) after discovering he was transporting 278.5 kilograms of marijuana (in a 1981 Chevrolet pick-up with plates NV-42247). The arrest was carried out after soldiers noted that Pineda sped up upon noting their presence in an area within the Nocupetaro municipality [19.049787,-101.154556], of Michoacan. Then, while searching his vehicle, they discovered the marijuana. Spanish Source: http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/notas/n2237533.htm SINALOA Soldiers Dismantle Drug Lab and Seize 100 Kilograms and 105 Liters of Methamphetamine in Culiacan, Sinaloa 22 September 2011 III Military Region and 9 th Military Zone soldiers dismantled a synthetic drug lab while conducting land reconnaissance in the Portezuelos village of Culiacan [24.806058,-107.430496], Sinaloa. Items seized from this drug lab included: 100 kilograms of methamphetamine 105 liters of methamphetamine 125 kilograms of caustic soda 45 kilograms of sodium acetate 20 kilograms of tartaric acid 250 liters of acetone 240 liters of acetic anhydride 200 liters of toluene 130 liters of hydrochloric acid 80 liters of an unknown substance No arrests were made in conjunction with the dismantling of this drug lab. Spanish Source: http://www.sedena.gob.mx/index.php/sala-de-prensa/comunicados-de-prensa-de-losmandos-territoriales/7667-22-de-septiembre-de-2011-culiacan-sin Hitmen Kill Nephew of Amado Carrillo Fuentes near Novalato, Sinaloa 23 September 2011 Late on 22 September 2011, Francisco Vicente Castillo Castillo, 18, the nephew of the now deceased Amado Carrillo Fuentes, aka El Senor de los Cielos, was killed following an attack by gunmen as he traveled along Highway 25 near Novalato [24.764135,-107.701206], Sinaloa. During the attack, he reportedly attempted to escape and accidentally drove into an irrigation channel during which time the hitmen opened UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 9
fire on him, and the vehicle in which he was driving started on fire. His mother, Berthila Carrillo Fuentes, identified his body. According to unofficial information, Mario, the older brother of Francisco Vicente Castillo Castillo, was kidnapped a few days before this incident, but was released hours following the kidnapping. Spanish Source: http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/09/ejecutan-sobrino-de-el-senor-de-los.html?m=1 FEDERAL DISTRICT 398,450 Psychotropic Tablets Seized at the Mexico City International Airport 21 September 2011 PGR officers responding to an anonymous tip seized 398,450 clonazepam tablets at a customs checkpoint in the Mexico City International Airport [19.435514,- 99.07299]. The tablets were distributed within 13,282 white/red boxes marked Zymanta that were seized from the interior of 19 cardboard boxes. At this point, neither the origination point nor the intended destination of the pills was reported. Spanish Source: http://www.pgr.gob.mx/prensa/2007/bol11/sep/b131611.shtm Federal Police Seize 235 Kilograms of Marijuana in Mexico City 22 September 2011 Federal police, with the help of a canine unit, seized 235 kilograms of marijuana from 12 boxes that were seized from a packaging company located in Mexico City [19.436809,- 99.132385]. The boxes in question had arrived from Puebla and were destined to Tamaulipas. Spanish Source: http://www.pgr.gob.mx/prensa/2007/bol11/sep/b132411.shtm UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 10
GUERRERO Dismembered Victim Recovered from Abandoned Vehicle in Acapulco, Guerrero 20 September 2011 Late on 19 September 2011, authorities recovered the human remains of a male murder victim from the interior of a white Volkswagen (with plates HFA-4354) that was abandoned near the Lazaro Cardenas neighborhood [16.887346,-99.838514] (on a road that leads to Las Cruces) in Acapulco, Guerrero. The severed hands, arms, feet, and head of the victim were recovered from the interior of a black plastic bag. At this point, the deceased individual has not yet been identified. Spanish Source: http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/09/decapitan-hombre-en-guerrero.html?m=1 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 11