José Sixto Verduzco security director arrested in Michoacán

Authorities in Michoacán have arrested José Manuel Tapia Hernández, the Director of Public Security for the municipality of José Sixto Verduzco, in connection with investigations into forced disappearances.

The operation, conducted by the Michoacán State Attorney General's Office (FGE) in coordination with the Civil Guard, the Mexican Army, and the National Guard, resulted in the detention of three other individuals: two municipal police officers and one civilian. The arrests and four search warrants were executed in the municipalities of José Sixto Verduzco and La Piedad.

This marks the second time in just over four years that a public security director in José Sixto Verduzco has been detained under similar circumstances. In January 2022, a previous director was processed for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping case.