Two individuals associated with an independent criminal cell known for extorting merchants at Mazatlán’s La Yarda supply market were arrested as part of a broader fight against extortion in Mexico. According to Omar García Harfuch, the head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, the arrested members used threats and coercion to force their victims into paying regular protection fees. The victims were also reportedly made to sign false promissory notes and documents to legitimize the extortion process.

The arrests were part of a coordinated effort involving multiple security agencies, including the Mexican Army and the Federal Attorney General's Office. This operation came as part of the National Strategy Against Extortion, aimed at dismantling organized crime that preys on local businesses. The authorities emphasized that the safety of merchants is a priority and that law enforcement will continue to take action against such criminal organizations in the region.

The implications of this operation are significant in the fight against extortion in Sinaloa, a state notorious for organized crime. By targeting these criminal cells, the government aims to restore safety and security to local businesses and encourage legal commerce. This case highlights the ongoing struggle against crime in Mexico and the importance of continued police operations to stem the tide of extortion and enhance public safety.