A narco banner targeting La Paz Mayor Milena Quiroga Romero appeared Monday morning on a bridge at the northern exit of the city, near the Cola de la Ballena area in front of Plaza Galerías. The message accused the sitting mayor of ties to extortion rackets and a scheme known locally as “huachicol del agua,” or illegal water siphoning.
The banner, known in Mexico as a narcomanta, was discovered on April 6. Authorities have not yet issued a public response to the incident or the allegations it contained. No group claimed responsibility for the message.
What the Banner Alleged
The narcomanta accused Quiroga Romero of involvement in two specific activities: extortion and so-called water theft. The term “huachicol” originally referred to stolen gasoline siphoned from pipelines. In La Paz, the phrase “huachicol del agua” points to suspected illegal diversion of water supplies or corrupt billing practices tied to municipal water distribution.
Water scarcity is a long-standing issue in La Paz and across Baja California Sur. The state relies heavily on underground aquifers that have been overdrawn for years. Any allegation of organized theft or corrupt management of water resources carries particular weight in a region where residents and businesses regularly face shortages and rationing.
Narco Banners as a Pressure Tactic
Narcomantas are a well-documented tool of organized crime in Mexico. Criminal groups use the large printed or handwritten signs, typically hung from bridges or displayed in public plazas, to issue threats, claim territory, discredit rivals, or pressure public officials. The banners do not necessarily contain truthful claims. They are often used as propaganda to destabilize opponents or create public distrust in government figures.
The appearance of a narcomanta targeting a sitting municipal president in La Paz is notable. Baja California Sur has historically experienced lower levels of cartel activity compared to neighboring states, though incidents of organized crime, including extortion and drug trafficking, have increased in recent years.
Context for La Paz Residents
Plaza Galerías sits along the main highway corridor leading north out of La Paz toward the Transpeninsular Highway. The Cola de la Ballena area is a familiar landmark for residents who commute along that route. The banner’s placement at a high-traffic location was likely intended to maximize visibility.
Quiroga Romero, a member of the ruling Morena party, has served as mayor of La Paz since 2021. There is no indication that formal charges or official investigations have been opened based on the banner’s allegations.
This story was first reported by Zeta Tijuana.