Investigation into Alleged Cartel Activities in Jalisco Reveals Irregularities

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Attorney General of Mexico disclosed on Wednesday that there were significant irregularities in the investigation conducted by local authorities into a suspected cartel killing site and training camp located at a ranch in Jalisco. This site was uncovered by individuals searching for missing relatives who discovered numerous items of clothing and personal belongings.

Authorities stumbled upon the ranch in Teuchitlan, near Guadalajara, in September 2024. Six months later, a search group uncovered charred bone fragments and personal effects, which has raised doubts about the thoroughness of the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s original investigation.

Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero, whose office took charge of the investigation last week, mentioned that the Jalisco authorities had failed to collect evidence and fingerprints, as well as to properly inspect several vehicles found at the ranch, three of which were subsequently stolen. He criticized the lack of investigation into the ranch’s ownership and the absence of scientific analysis to ascertain if the locations at the ranch served as crematories.

Moreover, Gertz Manero highlighted that federal prosecutors were not notified about the site, contravening standard procedures, and that local investigators did not apprehend officials connected to activities at the ranch. He stated that insufficient information currently exists to confirm whether the ranch was used for body disposal or for training cartel members.

Last week, the Jalisco Search Warriors group shared shocking images, including numerous shoes, clothing piles, and apparent human bone fragments, which have startled many citizens accustomed to the pervasive violence from cartel conflicts, forced disappearances, and rampant governmental corruption.

In reaction to the disturbing revelations, vigils for the victims were held over the weekend. Additionally, a video emerged featuring masked, heavily armed individuals claiming affiliation with the Jalisco New Generation cartel, questioning the motivations behind the searchers’ efforts.

These search groups have consistently put their lives on the line while seeking answers regarding Mexico’s approximately 120,000 disappeared persons amid ongoing impunity issues.

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