Tabasco Secretary of Government José Ramiro López Obrador stated that the people whose dismembered bodies have recently been found in different parts of the state were allegedly members of organized crime groups, specifically the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and La Barredora, organizations he said are fighting for control of the state.
His remarks came after another violent incident in the municipality of Centro, where authorities discovered two dismembered bodies on Tuesday in Río Tinto, Third Section, following several other high-profile violent crimes reported in recent days.
Government Says Crime Rates Have Declined
In an interview, López Obrador rejected claims that violence has increased and urged reporters to evaluate the situation using official crime statistics.
According to the official, when the current administration took office, Tabasco averaged 3.7 intentional homicides per day, while the current rate is below two daily homicides.
Authorities Attribute Violence to Criminal Rivalries
When asked about the recent killings, which have involved extreme violence, the secretary said investigations indicate they are the result of clashes between criminal organizations.
He stated that La Barredora and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are engaged in a territorial dispute over criminal operations in the state.
López Obrador also said that approximately 1,500 members of organized crime have been arrested during the current administration, describing the figure as unprecedented compared to previous state governments.
Recent Violence in Tabasco
The discovery of the bodies in Río Tinto occurred one day after authorities found a human head inside an ice cooler outside an elementary school in the Miguel Hidalgo neighborhood of the municipality of Centro. The cooler also contained a threatening message.
Other recent violent incidents include:
- The killing of a pochimóvil (motorized tricycle taxi) driver in the José María Pino Suárez (Tierra Colorada) neighborhood of Centro.
- An armed attack against a couple in Atasta de Serra, Villahermosa, on Sunday night.
- The discovery of three bodies showing signs of violence on Saturday in the municipalities of Comalcalco and Centro.
Source: elfinanciero
