A suspected forced recruitment center linked to organized crime was secured this Friday in Zapopan, Jalisco, during an operation led by the Mexican Army. Six people were arrested, and authorities seized weapons, vehicles, tactical equipment, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The property was located in the community of San Francisco de Ixcatán, within the Guadalajara metropolitan area, following reports of alleged criminal activity. Investigators are working to determine whether the site was used to train individuals and force them to join a criminal organization.
Weapons, Vehicles, and Tactical Equipment Found at the Ranch
According to preliminary reports, the property covers approximately 30 hectares and had been equipped to accommodate multiple people.
During the inspection, authorities recovered:
- Long guns, magazines, and 1,740 rounds of ammunition
- Ballistic vests and protective tactical gear
- Two vehicles and motorcycles
- Tents, beds, sleeping mats, mattresses, clothing, sofas, and buckets
- A soccer field and a video surveillance camera system
In addition, federal forces arrested six suspected members of the criminal group operating at the site.
Authorities Investigate Possible Links to Disappearances in Jalisco
Investigators are conducting forensic examinations to determine whether the ranch was being used as a training camp and forced recruitment center for a criminal organization.
So far, authorities have not officially identified which criminal group controlled the property. However, they stated that the ranch is located in an area where a major criminal organization has an established presence.
The evidence collected will be analyzed and compared with ongoing investigations involving missing persons and possible recruitment through fraudulent job offers.
Following the discovery, authorities urged the public to verify the authenticity of job offers, be cautious of vacancies offering unusually high salaries with unclear requirements, and report any suspicious activity, particularly at bus terminals.
Source: unotv
