Mercury Trafficking Linked to Mexican Cartel
A recent report by the NGO Environmental Research Agency (EIA) alleges that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is involved in trafficking mercury in South America, primarily for illegal gold refining activities. This revelation comes shortly after CJNG operatives stole over 33 tons of gold concentrate from mining companies on highways in Jalisco.
In the report, titled Toxic Ton: Traffickers Don’t Leave Any Stones Inside Out, the EIA traces the illicit trade of mercury from central Mexico down to South America, highlighting its contribution to illegal mining. The report emphasizes that mercury, when used in gold purification processes, poses significant environmental risks due to the mixing of the mineral with gold and its exposure to high temperatures.
The findings also suggest that members of the CJNG have taken control of mercury mining operations in central Mexico, prompting the EIA to call for intervention from the Mexican government. This situation sheds light on another dimension of human trafficking linked to the CJNG, which was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US government earlier this year.
Since that designation, top security officials in Mexico have been focusing on public relations efforts to make their operations against drug cartels appear more effective. However, reports indicate that drug kingpins, including those in CJNG, continue to operate with relative impunity throughout Mexico.
Moreover, according to additional reports, the CJNG’s involvement in gold concentrate theft is significant. In early July, armed members of the cartel hijacked a tractor trailer carrying 33 tons of gold concentrate that was en route to Manzanillo Port. They were able to disable the truck’s security details and carry out the robbery. Since the incident, law enforcement has not reported any arrests or provided further details.
