Mexico City.- President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized residents for receiving toys and provisions from alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Mazamitla, Jalisco.

The federal leader mentioned that organized crime groups exploit people’s poverty, giving “crumbs” to ensure vulnerable communities protect criminal organizations.

“Some gangs distribute provisions. I saw that on Three Kings’ Day, they are going to deliver toys; those are crumbs, handouts, not rights. We must not be deceived; now it turns out that these gangs are delivering weevil-infested beans,” said the president.

Additionally, President López Obrador acknowledged that some communities support and shield members of criminal groups, suggesting it might be due to the gifts they receive, although he stated that such cases are few.