Mercury trafficking investigations in Mexico

Authorities in Mexico have initiated investigations into the illegal transport and trafficking of mercury following two separate seizures.

In Querétaro, state police discovered 1.2 liters of the toxic substance in a vehicle on the Puerto de los Velázquez-San Gaspar highway. One individual was detained, and the Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) opened an investigation into potential environmental crimes. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) also filed a complaint to identify the origin and destination of the material.

Subsequently, a much larger shipment of approximately 480 kilograms of mercury was intercepted in Mexico City. The shipment, consisting of 12 boxes weighing roughly 40 kilograms each, originated from San Luis Potosí. The incident was discovered at a courier company in the Gustavo A. Madero borough after a leak occurred when one of the containers ruptured. FGR and SSPC agents isolated the substance to mitigate health and environmental risks while awaiting expert reports to confirm the exact quantity.

The FGR has officially launched an investigation into the illegal transport of these dangerous substances. This inquiry follows the discovery of the leak and the subsequent isolation of the material within a vehicle. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as they await final expert reports to determine the precise quantity of the mercury involved.