Michoacán, Mexico, November 5, 2026. Federal and state authorities seized 97 slot machines during six searches at separate properties in La Piedad, Michoacán, disrupting a suspected source of criminal financing with potential revenues of up to MX$1,164,000 per month (more than US$60,000), according to an announcement issued by the state government on October 28.
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The operation was conducted jointly by the Michoacán State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the State Public Security Secretariat (SSP), the National Defense Secretariat (Defensa), and the National Guard (GN). Authorities also seized substances suspected to be narcotics, although their type, quantity, and value were not disclosed.
The government’s estimate represents MX$12,000 per machine per month, equivalent to approximately MX$13.96 million annually for all 97 devices, assuming they maintained that level of revenue. The machines and suspected narcotics were transferred to the investigating authorities. No arrests or amounts of seized cash were reported.
Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla announced on August 8, 2026, that his administration had removed 4,391 slot machines since October 2021, with their operation representing potential revenues exceeding MX$631 million annually, equivalent to approximately MX$52.6 million per month.
The state’s enforcement strategy aims to disrupt financial resources allegedly associated with extortion, threats, and street-level drug trafficking, through criminal investigations, property searches, equipment seizures, and the destruction of confiscated machines.
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The SSP is headed by José Antonio Cruz Medina, while Israel Vega Rodríguez remained acting head of the FGE following the departure of Carlos Torres Piña in October. At the federal level, Ricardo Trevilla Trejo leads the National Defense Secretariat, and Guillermo Briseño Lobera commands the National Guard.
The Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB), headed by Rosa Icela Rodríguez, oversees the national administrative framework through the General Directorate of Games and Draws (DGJS), although neither agency participated directly in the searches.
Article 12 of the Regulations of the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law, amended on November 16, 2023, establishes the prohibition of slot machines. On April 15, 2026, federal lawmaker Pedro Miguel Haces Barba introduced a bill to strengthen penalties against their operation, distribution, and financing.
