In the state of Michoacán, Mexico, marijuana continues to be a profitable enterprise for organized crime, especially in regions like Tierra Caliente despite the emergence of drugs like fentanyl. The Army recently discovered several marijuana plantations, applying advanced cultivation techniques to increase yield and efficiency. These developments highlight the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and drug traffickers in a region beset by violence and criminal activity.

The Army's operations in the municipality of Turicato have revealed five marijuana plantations this year alone. During a recent operation in the village of La Laja, soldiers encountered a significant cultivation area of 2.8 hectares, boasting around 171,000 plants. The troops executed their mission carefully and methodically, utilizing heavily armed vehicles to ensure safety and effectiveness against the backdrop of the mountainous terrain, which is characteristic of the area.

This discovery underlines the sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers, who are continually adapting to combat governmental interdiction. The contrast between the lush green plants and the stark landscape surrounding them emphasizes the challenges facing local authorities. The escalation of marijuana cultivation amidst the increasing threat of other narcotics poses a complex dilemma for security forces seeking to maintain control over this volatile region.