Mexico security ministry reports 48% homicide drop and 500‑tonne drug seizure
The federal government under President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the daily average of intentional homicides fell by 48 percent, from 86.9 cases in September 2024 to 45.4 in June 2026 – a reduction of 41 deaths per day. June 2026 recorded the lowest homicide rate since 2015, and the first half of 2026 showed the lowest average (49.7) since 2016.
Eight states (Guanajuato, Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, State of Mexico, Guerrero, Morelos and Veracruz) accounted for just over half of the nation’s homicides. Individual state reductions included Quintana Roo’s 85 percent drop, Tabasco’s 37 percent decline, and Zacatecas’s 61.8 percent reduction.
Security forces also reported the seizure of almost 500 tonnes of illicit drugs and the detention of more than 59,500 people for high‑impact crimes between October 2024 and June 2026. The operations seized 31 000 firearms, dismantled 2 600 clandestine meth‑laboratories, and confiscated 2 000 kg of fentanyl powder.
The administration highlighted that the results stem from its National Security Strategy, which emphasizes addressing root causes, strengthening the National Guard, enhancing intelligence and investigation, and coordinating federal and state authorities. It also noted that the homicide decline is unrelated to the 2026 World Cup and that the recent extradition of a cartel pilot was a collegial decision by the National Security Council.