Seven people were freed from illegal detention during a series of operations in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz between 24 and 26 July, according to state and federal security forces.

Led by the State Public Security Secretariat and the State Attorney General’s Office, with support from the navy, army, National Guard, and federal prosecutors, the operations saw liberated victims in the municipalities of Acultzingo, Tlalixcoyan, and Villa Aldama. The rescued individuals were transferred into protective custody.

In the same deployment, 36 people were detained. Authorities reported seizing 461 doses of suspected illicit substances, including a substance resembling crystal and marijuana, along with scales, firearms, tactical gear, and vehicles. Further arrests and seizures occurred in Alvarado, Papantla, Tihuatlán, Poza Rica, El Higo, Chicontepec, Córdoba, Minatitlán, and the city of Veracruz.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details about the victims’ condition or the identities of those arrested were immediately made public.