On Tuesday June 2 elements of the Army and Federal Police- in conjunction with authorities from Veracruz- took over the Traffic Directorate at the port of Veracruz and arrested 46 of its agents, including the director of the unit, Hector Parra Peñafiel. The operation is part of an investigation for the department’s possible involvement in the kidnapping of the manager of the Maritime Customs, Francisco Serrano Armoni. The 46 elements were transferred to military barracks to have their statements taken.
Customs administrator Francisco Serrano disappeared Monday night from the scene of an apparent traffic collision. Veracruz is the nation’s main cargo port on the Gulf of Mexico and watched by customs officials for smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.
Attorney General of Justice, Salvador Rivera Mikel reported that the arrests are based on technical surveillance evidence: “After reviewing the technical elements in our possession, including recordings of the monitoring system in the city of Veracruz, we came to the conclusion that it was important for them to testify in the open investigation that is being undertaken by the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to clarify the disappearance of the office manager.”
On Wednesday Gov. Fidel Herrera Beltran reported that the reserves were released after questioning.The governor said the military operation was reported to his administration, and that his office was willing to collaborate with the federal government in their efforts to find Mr. Aramoni.
Veracruz attorney Salvador Rivera Mikel reported that so far there is no evidence that the kidnappers have asked any kind of ransom from Serrano Aramoni’s family members.
Pedro Canabal, spokesperson for Sistema de Administración Tributaria (SAT), said that the official had not received any threats prior to his abduction, in addition, he did not dismiss the possibility that the kidnapping was committed by organized crime.
Avila, Edgar. “Ejército y PF toman Policía de Veracruz” El Universal June 3, 2009.
Ellingwood, Ken. “47 Police Officers questioned in disappearance of Mexican customs official” LA Times June 3, 2009
Pérez, Édgar Ávila. “Federales toman policía en Veracruz por plagio” El Universal June 3, 2009.
Timoteo, Andres. “Liberan a los 46 agentes de transito detenidoes la vispera en Veracruz” La Jornada June 3, 2009.
Notimex. “Toman militares control de la policia en Veracruz” Milenio June 3, 2009.
“Desaparición de funcionario aduanal, causa de operativo en Veracruz” El Financiero June 3, 2009.
Es una verguenza que Felipe Calderon y su Gobierno no sepan proteger a los funcionarios honestos y valientes que estan dipuestos a dar la vida por su pais para frenar la corrupcion y recuperar Mexico para los mexicanos. El tal Fidel Herrera no ha hecho mas que desorientar las investigaciones y enganar a mis tios y primos, padres y hermanos de DON FRANCISCO SERRANO ARAMONI, ese tal Fidel Herrera deberia ser detenido y juzgado como el delincuente y cobarde que es. En esta vida todo se paga espero que pronto te alcance tu destino Fidel al igual que al grupo de sicarios que proteges. Siempre te recordaremos mi querido Pancho, eres y siempre seras un ejemplo para todos los mexicanos. Dios te bendiga siempre.