Three illegal sawmills dismantled during operations in the Agua Forest

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) reported that, as part of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal logging in the Agua Forest , two operations were carried out in the municipalities of Xalatlaco, State of Mexico , and Huitzilac, Morelos . These operations resulted in the dismantling of three clandestine sawmills and the seizure of machinery, vehicles, and 35,119 cubic meters of wood .

The first operation took place on September 12 in the municipality of Xalatlaco , where two illegal sawmills were raided. Around 300 members of the Ministry of National Defense, the National Guard, the State Police, the Attorney General's Office, and Profepa participated in the operation.

On site the following were seized:

• Two sawmills.
• Two push carts.
• Two electric motors.
• Three metal benches and one wooden one.
• An edger.
• Four vehicles.
• 31 pieces of fir rolls (13.923 m³).
• 367 sawn pieces of fir (13,646 m³).
• 593 sawn pieces of pine (7,550 m³).

The confiscated machinery was moved to the Probosque facilities in Metepec, while the two sawmills were completely dismantled.

The second operation took place on September 11 in Huitzilac, Morelos , also within the Bosque de Agua . There, a clandestine forest raw material storage and processing center was closed because it lacked authorization from the Ministry of the Environment.

At this point they ensured:

• A sawmill with a 25 HP electric motor
• A push cart.
• A band saw.

The seized machinery was transported to the Profepa facilities in Morelos. Forty-three members of the National Guard, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of the Navy, and Profepa personnel participated in this operation.

The Water Forest is considered one of the most important forest areas in the center of the country, since it covers territories of Mexico City, the State of Mexico and Morelos , and plays a crucial role in recharging aquifers, regulating climate and conserving biodiversity .

Illegal logging represents one of the main threats to this ecosystem, hence the importance of joint operations aimed at protecting the region and ensuring its restoration.

The dismantling of three illegal sawmills in the Agua Forest reflects the coordinated effort of environmental and security authorities to curb the clandestine exploitation of forest resources . The action not only represents a blow to those operating outside the law, but also a fundamental step in protecting the forests that supply water and oxygen to millions of residents in the central part of the country.