EL SALTO, MEXICO – A group of relatives searching for their loved ones uncovered around two dozen bags containing human remains in a hidden graveyard, contributing to Mexico’s estimated count of 100,000 missing citizens. The discovery was made by the Guerreros Buscadores collective on Sunday at a hideaway ranch in El Salto, located in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.
Upon reaching the site, the group, supported by National Guard personnel, located a still-smoking pit oven emanating strong repulsive odors. According to group member Indira Navarro, their exploration uncovered bones, skin, and charred human remains characterizing the site as a secret cemetery.
The state prosecutor’s office has yet to comment but is expected to inspect the site. Organized crime groups, including drug trafficking cartels, are alleged to use bricks and similar ovens for incinerating victim remains to avoid detection.
Since launching a major crackdown against cartels in 2006, Mexico’s tally of missing persons has surged. Jalisco, noted for the widespread operation of the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel, exhibits a high rate of disappearances catalyzed by territorial disputes between rival drug gangs. Just last week, prosecutors revealed the discovery of five bodies dumped in a bulletproof SUV.
Past incidents include the unveiling of 45 bags of human remains in a Jalisco gorge last June and the exhumation of 31 bodies from local hidden graves four months prior. Furthermore, a striking 450,000 murders have occurred nationwide since 2006, putting immense strain on the country’s forensic capabilities, leaving unidentified bodies languishing in morgues or mass graves.