Mexico has deployed 1,557 security personnel to reinforce security across Michoacán's avocado industry after the United States temporarily suspended export inspections because of a security alert. The operation aims to protect producers, transportation routes and inspection points while combating organized crime and extortion.

Mexican security forces deployed in Michoacán to protect avocado production and export supply chain after U.S. inspection suspension.

Security operation follows the temporary suspension of U.S. avocado export inspections after a security alert.

Mexico has deployed 1,557 security personnel to the western state of Michoacán to protect its avocado industry after the United States temporarily suspended export inspections following a security alert.

The Secretariat of National Defense announced on Thursday that the operation will reinforce security in avocado-growing areas, packing facilities and key transportation routes across Michoacán, Mexico’s leading avocado-producing state.

The deployment will also provide permanent security and monitoring at inspection points operated by the National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality, while authorities seek to curb the extortion of avocado growers and packing companies.

The Defense Ministry said the operation is also aimed at dismantling criminal organizations through the capture of their leaders and other individuals responsible for violence.

Organized Crime and Export Disruption

According to the ministry, the avocado industry’s high economic value—one of the region’s main agricultural drivers and a product in strong international demand—has increasingly attracted organized crime groups. Authorities said these groups extort producers and packers, influence business operations, control transportation routes and pressure businesses throughout the supply chain.

The deployment comes days after Washington temporarily halted avocado export inspections in Michoacán following a security alert issued on Wednesday, dealing a blow to a regional economy that depends heavily on avocado exports.

Michoacán is Mexico’s largest avocado-producing state, and the United States is the primary destination for its exports, where demand for the fruit continues to grow.

Mexican authorities said the reinforced security measures are intended to restore confidence in the avocado supply chain as producers await the resumption of U.S. inspections and the normalization of export operations.

From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.