AMOTAC, Authorities Fight Cargo Theft in the State of Mexico

The State of Mexico finds itself at the epicenter of cargo theft, reporting a large percentage of all thefts taking place in the country. The problem reached a critical point this week as speculation surfaced over another imminent strike by the Mexican Alliance of Carrier Organizations (AMOTAC), which demands better security measures on highways. Federal and state authorities established working tables with AMOTAC’s representatives to address this problem.

The states most affected by cargo theft are the State of Mexico, Jalisco, Michoacan, Puebla, and San Luis Potosi, reports the Executive Ministry of the National Public Security System (SESNSP). 

In 2Q23, the State of Mexico and Puebla accounted for over 50% of cargo thefts in the country, according to Overhaul. Among the most dangerous highways are the Arco Norte highway (MEX-M40D), which runs through the states of the State of Mexico, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, and Puebla, and the MEX-57D highway, which connects Hidalgo to the State of Mexico, as previously reported by MBN. 

In August, AMOTAC announced it planned to go on strike due to the null response from federal authorities to their demands to address highway security and prevent extorsions, among other complaints and petitions. However, AMOTAC reached an agreement with federal and state authorities, leading workers to postpone the strike, set to take place on Aug. 29-30, for three months. 

On Oct. 25, it was speculated that operators were going to strike amid the lack of action from the State of Mexico authorities, threatening to strike on Oct. 26. However, the Ministry of Mobility of the State of Mexico (SEMOV) announced on Facebook that the rumors were false since working tables were established with representatives from the National Guard; the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT); the Ministries of General Government, Security, and SEMOV; and AMOTAC.

These working tables addressed the burden that cargo theft represents in the State of Mexico, according to a press release by the state authorities. As a result, AMOTAC and its members will collaborate in the investigations against those who are responsible for those crimes.

Additionally, the state will promote Operation Escalon and the use of the Anonymous Reporting Line 089, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will also update the directory of authorized representatives in each federal entity as valid contacts for issuing statements and agreements.

Operation Escalon involves monitoring and controlling the passage of transport units and goods during specific hours by the Federal Police. The program is expected to last until the end of the year, as the last few months often see an increase in  economic activity, says Laura González, Minister of Economic Development (SEDECO) of the State of Mexico, to MBN. 

The operation will oversee the highways from industrial zones such as Arco Norte, Circuito Exterior Mexiquense, and Federal Highway 57. It will also monitor the main roadways across the state. 

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