At least 36 bodies found in eastern Mexico

[News_Editor]

At least 36 bodies found in eastern Mexico

2011-10-08 05:19:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

VERACRUZ, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- The bodies of at least 36 people were found in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz on Thursday and Friday, police said, in what is thought to be another mass killing linked to organized crime.

The series of discoveries began on Thursday when four bodies were found abandoned in El Coyol, a low-class neighborhood in the port city of Veracruz. The bodies had several gunshot wounds and both state and federal authorities launched an investigative operation.

Hours later, during the early hours of Friday morning, police teams discovered the bodies of 20 other people at a house located within the Jardines de Mocambo residential complex, also in Veracruz. They were identified as 17 men and three women.

Shortly after the second group of bodies was found, intelligence officials led the Mexican Marines to discover a third batch of bodies at another house within the Costa Verde private residential complex. Eleven additional bodies were found of which nine were male and two were female.

Later, further investigation discovered a 36th body at another luxury residential complex called Costa de Oro. Officials have not yet disclosed details, including the identities, regarding the deaths in any of the discoveries, but Mexico's Naval Secretary said teams had already been assigned to find those responsible for the killings.

Less than three weeks ago, a similar incident occurred in the same region when 35 bodies were left on one of the municipality's main avenues. The incident is thought to have involved a group of gunmen.

During the last six months, the port city of Veracruz has experienced an increase of cruel violence as three drug trafficking organizations - namely 'Los Zetas,' the Gulf cartel and 'la Familia Michoacana' - have fought to control the area.

The city of Veracruz is considered an important port in drug trafficking and organized crime groups because many drug shipments and migrants to the U.S. depart from the area, as well as Europe-bound vessels and ships to Asia. Despite federal and state authorities deploying land and air patrol teams, drug trafficking organizations have been able to carry out their violent actions without any significant arrests.

According to government figures, a total of 15,273 drug-related crimes occurred in Mexico in 2010, while more than 42,000 people have died in drug-related violence since Mexican President Felipe Calderón began his campaign to fight organized crime in December 2006.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-10-08