Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Baja California Suspends 14 State Police in Probe of 180‑Kilo Cocaine Theft

Federal prosecutors are reviewing possible charges following internal findings of improper use of state equipment.

Overview

  • Security chief Laureano Carrillo said 14 FESC members from Tijuana and Mexicali were placed on preventive leave based on evidence of their presence, routes and timing around the incident.
  • Preliminary findings point to unreported use of state-issued weapons and vehicles, and officials have not ruled out involvement by a military element.
  • The FGR is handling the criminal investigation and will evaluate whether to seek arrest warrants once its inquiry is complete.
  • Proceso, citing Semanario Zeta, reports the suspected operation functioned as a drug rip-off in coordination with the Arellano Félix cartel.
  • The theft occurred on Oct. 4 in Ojo de Agua as holders attempted to move 180 kilograms of cocaine “por la libre,” and investigators are also assessing a possible connection to recent attacks on FGE facilities that has not been established.