The apprehension of a Cuban national, alongside two others, for the armed theft of a high-end smartphone from a woman in Monterrey, Mexico, unveiled a significant stash of 90 kilograms of marijuana at a house in the city's center.
On November 24, at approximately 2:50 p.m., law enforcement detained Liván O., a 26-year-old Cuban; Jairo Rivaldo R., a 25-year-old Mexican; and Bárbara M., a 23-year-old Colombian, due to their involvement in the heist, a case potentially linked to small-scale drug trafficking, currently under police scrutiny.
The Cuban, allegedly wielding a firearm, stole an iPhone 17 valued at about 34,000 pesos from a woman who had arranged to sell the device via Facebook Marketplace, as reported by Mexican media outlets.
The 38-year-old victim had arrived at the transaction location by car with her husband. However, the supposed buyer - Liván O. - entered the vehicle and brandished a gun, forcing her to surrender the phone. He then fled on foot.
After being alerted by the woman, patrolling officers identified the Cuban near the scene of the robbery and apprehended him as he attempted to hide in a residence.
During the arrest, Liván O.'s two accomplices tried to obstruct the officers by assaulting them, leading to their capture as well at the intersection of Juan Álvarez and 15 de Mayo streets in the city's center. A handgun was confiscated from the Cuban.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Monterrey Police and the State Investigation Agency conducted a search of the property where the Cuban had sought refuge after the theft. Inside, they discovered 89 bags of marijuana, each weighing around one kilogram, as detailed by the digital newspaper Milenio.
The premises also contained a digital scale, a sealing machine, and plastic bags, suggesting to authorities that the location was used for drug distribution, according to a source cited by the media.
The case is currently under investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office specializing in drug dealing.
Understanding the Impact of Drug Trafficking in Monterrey
What led to the discovery of drugs in Monterrey?
The discovery of drugs in Monterrey was prompted by the arrest of Liván O., who was involved in an armed robbery for an iPhone. His attempt to hide in a nearby house led the police to uncover a significant stash of marijuana.
How were the suspects apprehended?
The suspects were apprehended after the victim reported the crime. Officers patrolling the area identified and intercepted the Cuban suspect as he tried to hide. His accomplices were also captured after attempting to obstruct the arrest.
What items were found in the house?
Police found 89 bags of marijuana, a digital scale, a sealing machine, and plastic bags in the house, suggesting it was a location for drug distribution.