The discovery of a clandestine crematorium in the Mexican state of Jalisco has sent shockwaves across the country, revealing yet another grim chapter in Mexico’s crisis of forced disappearances.
With 200 pairs of shoes found at the site, authorities and relatives of the missing are scrambling for answers. The scale of this revelation underscores the deep entanglement between organized crime and the widespread issue of disappearances in Mexico, particularly in regions controlled by powerful cartels.
A Chilling Discovery in Jalisco
Jalisco, a state notorious for cartel violence, is at the heart of Mexico’s ongoing crisis of disappearances. The recent discovery was made by Warrior Searchers of Jalisco, a collective composed of relatives of missing persons.
Acting on an anonymous tip-off, they arrived at a ranch, only to find what appeared to be an illicit crematorium filled with scorched bones, empty bullet casings, and a vast collection of personal belongings.
The presence of 200 pairs of shoes suggests that the site may have been used to dispose of multiple victims, possibly individuals kidnapped and executed by organized crime groups.
Authorities have since confirmed the existence of underground ovens used for incineration, hidden beneath layers of earth and brick slabs. These concealments made it difficult for previous searches to uncover the true extent of the atrocities committed at the location.
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The discovery raises pressing questions about how many people were disposed of at this site and whether similar crematoriums exist elsewhere in Mexico. The ranch itself had already been raided months earlier, leading to the arrest of ten armed suspects, the rescue of two kidnapped individuals, and the discovery of a single body.
#Nacional ‼️ #DeTerror 😨 Localizan crematorio clandestino en la zona de Teuchitlán, #Jalisco. Fueron encontrados más de 200 zapatos, decenas de objetos personales y bolsas con restos humanos y dentaduras. 🔴#MorenaNarcoGobierno#Noticias pic.twitter.com/QSgH7f7gWe
— Cursor Informativo (@cursorinformat1) March 10, 2025
However, at that time, law enforcement was unable to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire property. The latest findings, therefore, illustrate how vast and complex these cartel operations are, operating in secrecy despite significant law enforcement efforts.
The Role of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations, is suspected to be behind the clandestine crematorium.
The cartel, known for its ruthless methods and military-like discipline, is deeply involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking. With extensive networks stretching across Mexico and beyond, CJNG has been responsible for countless disappearances.
Reports indicate that the ranch where the crematorium was found was not just a dumping ground but also a recruitment and training facility for new cartel members. The presence of an obstacle course at the site suggests that the cartel used the location to train operatives, further highlighting its organized and militarized structure.
The CJNG’s brutal tactics include mass executions, torture, and public displays of violence intended to instill fear in both rival cartels and civilians.
The discovery of this crematorium aligns with previous reports of similar facilities being used by cartels to dispose of bodies in an effort to evade forensic detection. In many cases, the victims are individuals who either opposed the cartel or were caught in the crossfire of territorial disputes.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the United States government has declared CJNG a foreign terrorist organization due to its extreme violence and transnational reach. This designation underscores the cartel’s ability to operate with impunity, not only within Mexico but also in other countries where it traffics narcotics and weapons.
Mexico’s Crisis of Disappearances
The discovery of the clandestine crematorium is just one example of Mexico’s broader crisis of disappearances, a humanitarian issue that has plagued the country for decades.
According to the National Search Commission, Jalisco alone accounts for nearly 15,000 missing persons—making it the worst-hit state in Mexico. Nationwide, the number of disappeared individuals exceeds 100,000, though experts believe the actual figure may be even higher due to underreporting.
Families of the disappeared often find themselves caught in a bureaucratic nightmare, facing inaction and corruption among authorities. Many cases are never investigated, leaving relatives with no closure.
This reality has given rise to civilian-led search groups like Warrior Searchers of Jalisco, which take it upon themselves to locate missing loved ones. These groups work tirelessly despite the risks, often facing intimidation and threats from criminal organizations.
The scale of the crisis suggests systemic failures in law enforcement and governance. Many mass graves, clandestine crematoriums, and hidden dumping grounds remain undiscovered, serving as grim reminders of Mexico’s ongoing struggle against organized crime.
Despite government promises to address the issue, the violence persists, fueled by corruption, impunity, and the lucrative drug trade.
The discovery in Jalisco raises difficult but necessary questions about accountability. How many more undiscovered sites like this exist? Are authorities doing enough to investigate and dismantle cartel networks? For the families of the disappeared, the answers remain elusive, and justice continues to be an uphill battle.
The 200 pairs of shoes left behind at the crematorium symbolize the lost lives of those who vanished into the abyss of cartel violence. They represent a fraction of the thousands who remain missing, their fates unknown.
While the discovery brings attention to the crisis, it also underscores the urgent need for systemic change to combat organized crime and end the cycle of impunity that enables these atrocities.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏