In the Fuerte Mayo region of southern Sonora, beekeepers are facing a surge in thefts,…

In the Fuerte Mayo region of southern Sonora, beekeepers are facing a surge in thefts, including hives, bees, and entire colonies, as reported by José Manuel Escobedo, a representative of local apiarists. Recently, at least three communities between Álamos and Huatabampo have reported over 40 cases of hive thefts, coinciding with a significant decline in honey production.

Honey production in Sonora has plummeted by 60%, dropping from 300 tons in 2025 to just 100 tons now. Additionally, the number of beekeepers has drastically decreased from over 1,000 a decade ago to only 250 today. This alarming trend is exacerbated by the ongoing thefts, particularly in remote areas lacking law enforcement presence.