On July 4, 2025, one of the most audacious heists in Mexican history occurred near Guadalajara, Jalisco, when an armed criminal group intercepted a cargo truck carrying 33 tons of gold and silver concentrate. The shipment belonged to Grupo Minero Bacis, a prominent mining company based in Durango, and was en route to the Port of Manzanillo in Colima.
The truck, operated by Fletes Durango, was traveling along the Durango-Colima highway when it was ambushed by two white vehicles with tinted windows. The assailants subdued the security guards and driver, holding them captive for approximately 90 minutes. After releasing the personnel unharmed, the victims reported the incident to the Guardia Nacional at the Chapala toll booth, confirming the loss of the cargo.
The stolen material consisted of concentrated ore, which still requires further processing to extract pure gold and silver. While the truck was eventually recovered, the precious cargo remains missing, and no suspects have been publicly identified. As of now, no formal complaint has been filed with the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office or the Federal Attorney General’s Office, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Grupo Minero Bacis described the robbery as a devastating blow to its operations and to Mexico’s mining sector. The company emphasized that such incidents threaten both economic stability and national revenue, given the high value of the stolen metals.
The case has sparked alarm across the mining industry and among security experts, who warn that organized crime groups are increasingly targeting mineral shipments. Authorities in Durango and Jalisco have pledged to collaborate on the investigation, but the fate of the 33 tons of gold and silver remains unknown. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced cargo protection on Mexico’s highways.
However, Grupo Minero Bacis, which reported the alleged theft of gold and silver concentrate on the Durango-Manzanillo highway, has not filed a formal complaint with the Jalisco Attorney General’s Office.
Source: ADN 40
