Safe House Linked to Mass Murder of 10 People Located in Zacatecas
Authorities in Zacatecas reported the discovery of a safe house in the community of Niño Artillero, located on the border between the municipalities of Sombrerete and Fresnillo. The property is allegedly connected to the investigation into the mass murder of 10 people that occurred on July 18.
According to investigators, the property allegedly belonged to one of the criminal leaders identified by authorities as a possible person responsible for those events.
Property Linked to Alleged Criminal Leader
The Secretary General of the Government of Zacatecas, Rodrigo Reyes, explained that the discovery is significant because of the progress made in the investigations conducted by the state prosecutor’s office.
The official stated that, through investigative techniques and advances made by the Prosecutor’s Office, authorities were able to determine that the property was allegedly connected to one of the leaders who may have been involved in the events.
However, he clarified that the identity and responsibility of the alleged criminal leader remain under investigation.
Communication Interception Helped Identify the Criminal Group
Authorities reported that a judicially authorized interception of communications provided information about the operation and structure of the criminal group.
As a result of these investigations, Leonel “N,” originally from Sinaloa, and Osvaldo “N,” from Durango, were arrested. Both are also allegedly connected to other homicide investigations.
Deputy Prosecutor Edgar Nieves reported that both defendants have already appeared before a judge and requested an extension of the constitutional period, so the continuation of the hearing was scheduled for August 10.
There is also an arrest warrant for a teenage girl who was detained alongside the two men, who will also be brought before the judicial authorities.
Operation Leads to Safe Houses and Camps Being Secured
As part of the so-called Operation Rastrillo, authorities have conducted 18 searches so far.
Of these operations, 15 resulted in the seizure of safe houses. In addition, 12 criminal surveillance points, commonly known as “lookouts,” were dismantled, along with seven camps allegedly used by criminal groups.
The operations have also resulted in the arrest of 16 people and the release of three victims who had been deprived of their freedom.
Authorities Find Secret Airstrips and a Bengal Tiger
Among the results of the operations, authorities reported the discovery of two clandestine airstrips, which were allegedly used for activities related to drug trafficking.
Authorities also seized weapons, vehicles, narcotics, cash, and tactical equipment.
During one of the operations, authorities also discovered a Bengal tiger inside one of the properties that had been searched, making it one of the most unusual findings reported during the operation.
Source: unotv
