The number of weapons seized in the first two years of the current federal administration in Mexico has significantly increased, nearing totals from previous administrations.
In the first two years of President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, weapon seizures have markedly escalated, accounting for 60% of the total seized during the entire previous six-year term and 63% of those seized under former President Enrique Peña Nieto. This data was provided by the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense and the National Guard, following a transparency request made by Milenio. These figures indicate a surge in federal operational intensity and suggest a troubling rise in the availability of firearms for criminal organizations.
During President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration, a total of 39,266 weapons were seized, whereas the previous administration recorded 35,532. The recent numbers reveal that since the start of the current federal government, 23,632 weapons have been confiscated. These figures paint a stark picture of growing firearm availability amidst heightened violence and crime in Mexico, illuminating the ongoing struggle to maintain security.
The report highlights a consistent pattern of increasing arms seizures over the years, reflecting both the federal government's efforts and the persistent challenges posed by organized crime. The statistical uptick in cartel-related violence linked to the availability of sophisticated weaponry puts pressure on the current administration, thereby necessitating enhanced strategies to combat crime effectively, while also raising concerns about public safety in urban regions across Mexico.
