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Mexico Seizes About 54,960 Litres of Chemicals at Manzanillo Port

Forensic testing will determine if the seized liquid is benzyl alcohol that can be used in final-stage fentanyl or methamphetamine production.

Overview

  • Federal agents secured two containers holding 240 drums — roughly 54,960 litres — at the Manzanillo port aduana after an intelligence-led inspection, authorities said Monday.
  • The operation was led by the Fiscalía General de la República’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal with support from the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana and the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México.
  • Officials gave a preliminary identification of the liquid as benzyl alcohol but placed the cargo under ministerial custody for forensic dictámenes to confirm exact composition and quantities.
  • No arrests have been reported and authorities have not yet identified the shipment’s origin, the company responsible or its intended destination.
  • Benzyl alcohol and similar compounds have been linked in past cases to final production steps for synthetic opioids and stimulants, so investigators will use lab results and follow-up intelligence to trace supply chains and decide on charges.