SAA event in Mexico on Thu 16th July 2026

A confrontation that took place near the town of Costa Rica, south of Culiacán, resulted in two hitmen killed , three detainees, and the seizure of an arsenal, radio communication equipment, vehicles, and a significant shipment of synthetic drugs.

The Sinaloa Public Security Secretariat (SSPE) reported this Thursday, July 16, 2026, that the incident occurred during prevention patrols and ground reconnaissance carried out by the Interinstitutional Group, made up of elements of the State Police, the National Guard, and the Mexican Army.

According to the official report, law enforcement officers spotted two vehicles whose occupants attempted to flee at high speed upon noticing the patrol cars. This sparked a chase through various dirt roads and trails in the area.

When cornered by the security deployment, the gunmen got out of the vehicles and fired at the officers. The security personnel returned fire in self-defense, managing to neutralize two of the attackers and subdue three more once the situation was under control. No law enforcement officers were injured during the firefight.

After the ceasefire, personnel from the Interinstitutional Group inspected the site and secured the following items:

• 5 AK-47 assault rifles, 7.62 x 39 mm caliber;
• 15 rifle magazines, 7.62 x 39 mm caliber;
• 410 rounds of ammunition, 7.62 x 39 mm caliber;
• 31 bags containing approximately 25 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine;
• 1 bucket of metal tire spikes;
• 4 portable radios and 2 cell phones;
• and 2 private vehicles (neither of which had been reported stolen).

The three civilians arrested, the bodies of the two men killed, the weapons, the vehicles, and the methamphetamine shipment were turned over to the Attorney General's Office (FGR) for the corresponding investigation.